I Haven’t Always Been In The Village Since I Left In 2019, I Ran For My Dear Life -Chinedu

According to a report by Punch Newspaper on Sunday, July 19, 2026, Chinedu, a 28-year-old painter based in Benin City, Edo State, explained why he has remained away from his hometown since relocating several years ago.

Responding to a question about how often he returns to his village to visit his parents and siblings, he said his absence was not by choice but a decision influenced by painful experiences involving his family.

He stated that the circumstances surrounding his departure have continued to affect his willingness to go back.

He said he left his village in 2019 and has not been living there since then, according to him, his relocation was driven by concerns for his personal safety after a series of disturbing incidents that affected members of his family.

He explained that the events he witnessed made him believe that remaining in the community would put his life at risk, prompting him to seek safety elsewhere.

Chinedu recounted that he witnessed severe hardships experienced by his father and brothers, he said those experiences left a lasting impact on him and contributed significantly to his decision to remain away from the village.

He noted that the memories of those incidents have continued to influence his actions and have made it difficult for him to consider returning regularly.

He further explained that individuals who had shown interest in assisting his mother also faced challenges.

According to him, several people who wanted to support her were allegedly driven away by those he described as his father’s enemies.

He said these developments made it increasingly difficult for his family to receive the help they needed during difficult times.

Speaking further, Chinedu expressed concern about the emotional and physical burden his mother may have endured over the years.

He said he often thinks about the challenges she has faced and acknowledged that her situation has remained a source of worry for him.

He added that these concerns have reinforced his decision to maintain his distance from the village.

He maintained that his continued absence should not be interpreted as a lack of concern for his family but rather as a measure taken to protect himself in light of past experiences.

He said the combination of the traumatic events he witnessed and the difficulties encountered by those who attempted to assist his family has shaped his decision to stay away from his hometown.

He said, “I haven’t always been in the village since I left in 2019. I ran for my dear life. I have witnessed horrible things done to my father and my brothers. Many destiny helpers who wanted to help my mother have been chased away by my father’s enemies. I can’t imagine what my mother has been through. All these are reasons for me to keep my distance……See More