The Day a Gang of Thieves Robbed Our Home
It was an ordinary evening at home, with everyone living in our compound present except a few of my family members and neighbors. Normally, our gate was always closed before dark—but that night, it was left wide open.
That was when a stranger slipped in. Some men were sitting outside when he arrived, and greeted him politely, unaware of the danger. Moments later, the stranger called out to his accomplices, and suddenly several men armed with guns, knives, and sticks stormed in.
They ordered everyone to sit on the ground. One thief entered the first house and found a young girl inside. When she said she had no money, he searched the room himself and grabbed a bag containing some cash. The gang moved from house to house, demanding money and phones. In one home, a frightened woman tried to hand over a little cash, but the thieves snatched her entire bag instead.
They looted four houses, taking anything they could find—money, mirrors, a radio. Then they reached my father’s house, which held many valuable things: a television, solar battery, chairs, and tools. My father and brother were both away that night and the thieves found my sibling and me asleep and shouted at us to wake up and began beating us, angry that we hadn’t been more responsive to their demands.
Finally, the gang entered the last house, where an old man lived. When they demanded his phone, he refused and questioned who they were. Startled, the thieves panicked and fled into the darkness. The old man ran outside and fired a warning shot, but they were already gone.
By the time the police arrived, it was too late. We told them everything that had happened, and they promised to catch the men within two weeks. A month later, the thieves were found and arrested, though they refused to answer the police’s questions.
I was left bruised and frightened, but I also learned something important. The thieves came looking for material things, but I realized anger or revenge would not heal me. As the Bible teaches, we must love our enemies and help those in need.
Staff update: Since that terrifying day when robbers stormed her neighborhood compound, this Scholar and her family are moving forward with their lives despite the great material loss they suffered. With the support of MBB, she has graduated from high school and is currently studying in university.
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