22/05/2026
Two weeks ago, while travelling from Bauchi to Abuja, I had a near-death experience that changed the way I think about life.
From the beginning of the journey, the driver was speeding. Some passengers sitting at the back were already complaining about his driving style. As we continued the journey and approached Hawan Kibo, something terrifying happened the driver lost control of the brake.
Because we were sitting in the front, we could clearly see what was happening. The vehicle was moving dangerously fast, and there were many sharp corners ahead. The Muslims among us were shouting “Ya Allah, innalillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiuun” while the Christians were crying “Jesus” Everybody started praying because we truly thought that was the end.
At one point, we narrowly escaped hitting a car that had come out to overtake another vehicle. The driver kept honking continuously because he could not properly control the bus anymore. We were speeding downhill, helpless, waiting and praying.
By the mercy of Allah, no vehicle came directly in front of us during those moments. Eventually, after struggling for sometime, the driver managed to control the vehicle and stop safely.
People sitting at the back seat were angry. Some shouted at the driver and accused him of reckless driving. Later, when things calmed down, we tried to explain the situation, and many understood.
What touched me deeply was what the driver told me afterward. I asked him: “What would you have done if another vehicle was coming toward us for a head-to-head collision?”
He said his plan was to drive us into the bush because, according to him, a direct collision between two vehicles at that speed could lead to a fire outbreak and no one would have survive. He believed taking the vehicle into the bush might at least give some people a chance to live.
That experience taught me that life can end within seconds.
You can be planning tomorrow, arguing with someone, hating someone, delaying good things, or chasing unnecessary battles and suddenly, everything ends.
You may start something today and never finish it.
You may leave home and never return.
And when a person is gone, they are gone.
Since that day, I have reflected deeply on life.
Forgive people.
Let go of grudges.
Do good while you still can.
Stop envying others.
Stop planning evil against people.
Value human beings.
Value peace.
Value life.
Because honestly, none of us truly knows whether we will see the next hour, the next day, or even reach our destination safely.
Life is fragile.
Imrana Shuaibu Adam
Malamin Jinya
