Gwoza (2025) Movie Script

[Electric whirring]
[Bami, voice over]: Circles.
What do they say about circles?
Run around in circles?
Turn a full circle?
This is the moment.
The moment everything
formed a perfect circle.
Every decision I ever took
Colluded with the universe
To bring me right to this very moment
This moment right here
Chose me
For a lesson on the twist of fate.
I bet you think you could
have had a different outcome?
Well...
Before you make up your mind about me,
Let's start from the very beginning.
[Gun cocks]
Insurgent (in Hausa):
Where did you come from?
What are you doing here?
Won't you talk? Eh?
[Gun barrel hits with a loud thud]
[Halima]: T. E. C. H. N. O. L. O. G. Y.
[Children]: T. E. C. H. N. O. L. O. G. Y.
Halima: Technology.
Children: Technology.
T... E... "T... E..." [Hauwa,
in background]: Halima.
Hauwa: Halima.
[sombre music]
[Bami, voice over]: I have
always been fascinated
By my mother's comfort with illiteracy.
No ambition other than to
be my father's faithful maid.
Her yardstick for success.
Hauwa (in Hausa): You see
Alhaji Ahmed will take care of you.
He will take care of you, my child.
[Bami, voice over]: I guess in some ways
I envied her mindless bliss.
She is free from a mind
Constantly yearning for adventures.
Eager to push the boundaries imposed
By an outdated tradition and culture.
Don't misunderstand me, please.
Like every teenage girl
I nursed the dream of
becoming a bride someday.
But only to a man... A gentleman...
Whose intelligence and romance
Swept me off my feet.
However...
My parents were bent on ruining my life
Even before it started.
So...
On this very night
Halima died
And a new woman was born.
[music rising]
[music playing]
[Water flowing]
[Ominous music plays. Footsteps approach.]
[Water pouring]
[More footsteps]
[Gun cocks]
[Loud thud]
[gun shot]
[screams in agony]
Hauwa (in Hausa): Oh no! Oh no!
Oh My God!
[barrel hits with a loud thud]
[whimpers]
[barrel strikes again]
[Dramatic score builds to a climax]
[Rhythmic pounding in a mortar]
[Sudden explosion]
[Gunshots. Villagers
scream and scatter in panic.]
Insurgents (in Hausa):
Allah is the greatest
[fire crackling]
Office Receptionist:
Welcome, go and sit down
Oyedele: Good Afternoon
Receptionist: Good Afternoon
[Voices shouting in protest]
[Staff scramble, chairs
scrape, low murmurs]
Staff (in Hausa): Calm down,
please. What is the matter?
What is the matter?
Why have you come to the office?
Spokesman (in Hausa): You
are all liars. You have failed us.
Our villages are getting attacked
Our people were killed and
our properties were stolen,
We want a change in
government or a change in power.
Staff: Wait a minute,
this is not our fault.
I am also affected by
all that is happening...
[Toma]: It's just a peaceful protest.
Bami: What are they protesting?
You've not been following the news?
Residents from various villages in Gwoza.
Oyedele: What exactly is wrong?
Insurgents fleeing from
their forest hideouts
Are moving into their villages.
Spotted in Izghe and Patawe villages.
Toma Benedict.
Oyedele Lawson. This is my wife, Bami.
You look like you're a long way from home.
You don't look like you're
from around here yourself.
No. I'm in a line of duty.
And what might that be?
[Toma]: Journalist, Sunrise TV.
I'm a doctor. Here to help.
[Toma chuckles derisively]
So... where are you headed?
Attagara Village.
[Villagers chanting in the background]
To help the locals.
[Toma]: No, I was just uh...
trying to decide if you are
The few brave people
left in the entire world
Or just the really stupid ones.
[Toma Laughs mockingly]
[Inaudible]
Toma: Sorry what was that? Bami: Hmm?
[Chanting continues outside]
Oyedele: So what exactly
are you here to cover?
Toma: Umm... The Emir
of Gwoza's envoy visiting
The Governor this weekend.
Halima?
Oyedele: Mr Sadiq?
Sadiq: How are you?
[Oyedele]: Fine. Oyedele
[Sadiq]: This way
Umm... Doctor.
Take care and stay out of trouble.
You too.
Uh... Unfortunately, you're not going
To be able to find a spa here.
So I suggest that you go home?
I think you fell and
hit your head as a child.
Oyedele: Bami
[Toma chuckles with glee]
[Music rising]
[Busy village market sounds:
Haggling, laughter, chatter]
[motorcycle zooms by]
[Goat bleating]
[Bargaining chatter]
Man (in Hausa): Somebody help me. My son.
It is my son. Help me.
[Wailings]
[off-screen]: What is
wrong? What is happening
[Women sobbing]
Women (in Hausa): What happened?
What is wrong?
[O.S]: What is wrong? What is happening
[O.S, wailings]
[O.S]: What has happened?
What is the matter?
Women: Talk to us! What's wrong?
[Panicked]: What is
wrong with him? Talk to me
[O.S]: Yes! Please tell
us what's happening?
How is he?
(in Hausa): Dead?!
Oyedele: He's dead.
(In Hausa): Finally,
you have killed our son.
Foolish woman, get out of my sight.
[off screen, women wailing in anguish]
[sombre music]
[soft chirping of crickets]
[humming softly]
[vehicle approaching in background]
[Aisha, in Hausa] Welcome home.
[Sadiq, in Hausa] Ah... Aisha. How are you?
[Aisha gasps]
Hello.
[Car door shuts]
She's in there.
Oyedele: Oh goodness.
Oyedele: Let me take a look at this.
[Water splashes]
[distant crickets chirping]
[Oyedele]: She's been buried?
Mmhm.
[In Hausa]: Where is Safiya's daughter?
[Bami]: Where is my niece?
[inaudible]
Please... You need to come with me now.
I'll be back. One second.
Aisha (in Hausa): Sorry
[Cloth wrung out, water splashes]
Sorry
Let me take a look at her.
[Hauwa whimpers softly]
Can you stick your
tongue out for me, please?
Open your mouth?
Stick your tongue out, please?
[footsteps approaching]
[Steady drum rhythm]
[Sharpening shovel shaft]
[Distant engines revving]
Your highness... uh...
So what measures have you taken to
Curb insurgencies around Gwoza?
Well a lot, because
The security of my people
is very very paramount.
[tires screeching]
[rapid gun fire]
[Militants shouting]
[rapid gun fire continues]
[Chaotic, in Hausa]: Come out of the car
Where is he?
Take him to the car.
Do you understand? Move Move!
Move! Move! Keep walking
Let's go!
Let's go my friend!
Move! Move! Move!
[Insurgent opens car door]
Come down.
[Militant leader, in Hausa]:
Won't you come out of the car?
I said get down.
[cocks gun]
[Militant leader]: Your reign
ends today. You are no king.
Don't shoot him-I said don't shoot
[Militant leader]: Listen
to me, take him to the car.
[Dagger knife shwing]
[rapid gun fire]
[continues gun fire]
[Militants, in Chorus]:
Allah is the greatest
[inaubible]
[off screen, chanting continues]
[in Chorus]: Allah is the greatest
[more gun fire]
[camera shutter]
Allah is the greatest
[Dramatic score rising]
[engine starts]
[Inaudible]
[Dramatic score crescendos]
[Sewing machine clanking]
[clanking resumes]
Have you checked on your mother?
I guess it's true what
they say about people.
[In Hausa]: They change.
Hey.
Are we ready to leave now?
Babe.
We're going to have to
stay a little while longer.
I'm not.
Yes, you are.
We can't leave until your mum
Gets better in a couple of days.
Why do you even care about these people?
Because they are your people.
Look, I understand you're upset
But she's still your mum.
And we can't leave until she gets better.
A real man does not exchange
His loved ones for comfort.
A real woman protects her
young ones from predators.
I do not have a father,
nor a mother.
Bami.
[Distant chatter]
Oyedele: Have you seen my wife?
I thought maybe she was with you
Injured man (in Hausa):
There are insurgents in Wala!
Aisha (in Hausa): What is the matter?
Wala village has been attacked.
Oyedele: What's going on?
Aisha: There has been
an attack in Wala village.
People are hurt. They need help.
Oyedele: I'm a doctor. I can help.
Aisha's Fiance: I'll take you there.
Okay.
Please tell Bami that
she should wait for me.
I'll be back.
Suleman: Try and get to the city centre.
[Muffled conversation]
[man wincing in pain]
Rahab(in Hausa): Sorry
[Whimpering continues]
Rahab: Sorry
How did you find out I was here?
Rahab: Sorry.
[Man coughing]
How did you meet my daughter?
[Oyedele]: We met in medical school.
She was studying to be a nurse.
She's a fine nurse, you know?
I want to be a nurse.
[Oyedele laughs]
Rahab (in Hausa): Sorry.
We need to get him to a clinic.
Is there one close by?
There is a nearby village. Patawe.
They have a missionary clinic there.
I'm sure they can help.
Sadiq: Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.
Oyedele: We need to move.
[Man coughs]
[Truck door clunks open]
Sergent (in Pidgin): How is that guy?
Sleeping sir.
Okay
[door slams shut]
[Fire crackling]
[Voice, O.S]: Bravo 6. Come in. Roger that.
[Suspenseful music playing]
[O.S]: Bravo 6. Come in. 5 Kilometers.
Roger that.
Patawe. Close to Wala
Over and out
[footsteps approaching]
Oyedele: The stethoscope there.
Rahab: Doctor.
Doctor!
[vehicle tires skidding]
[Sadiq]: They are coming!
[gun fire]
[Panicked shouting]: THEY ARE COMING!
[Rapid gun fire] [Tires screeching]
THEY ARE COMING!
[Offscreen commotion
as villagers are attacked]
Sadiq: THEY ARE COMING!
Oyedele: This way. This way.
That way.
[Oyedele]: Go go go go.
Hurry, hurry. Hurry!
[ominous music playing]
[gun shots]
[Faint screams and
shouting in the distance]
[Gasps, stumbling over body]
Oyedele: Wait wait wait...
Wait.
[Thud from trunk]
Toma: Move move. Move!
[Kabila O.S in Hausa]: Buy hot tuwo.
Tuwo with miyan kuka
Kabila: I have biscuits
and even chewing gum.
I have tuwo and miyan. I
have biscuits and chewing gum.
Woman: What are you selling?
Kabila: Good morning ma
How is business? Let me
help you put this down.
Kabila: Thank you
How much is it?
[Offscreen bargaining]
[Dog barking]
Kabila: I will add some extra
for you Woman: Thank you
Suleman: You! Why are you here?
I am talking to you!
Meet me at home immediately, stupid girl!
Aisha: So you are a nurse?
People change.
I understand that.
But how... How can you come
back and act as if you've forgotten?
Maybe you don't remember who I am.
Aisha: My name is Aisha. Bami: Aisha.
[In Hausa]: I remember you, 'Miss Tutu...
I like to think my studious
learning at your feet
Left an indelible mark on your memory.
I see someone decided to abandon the
Ballerinas and learn fancy words instead.
You have no idea how
great it is to see you.
[Aisha]: The ring bothers you?
Your ring. You keep...
Fidgeting with it.
No... I'm still getting used to it.
Bami (in Hausa): It is barely a year.
Don't worry.
Soon, time will pass and
your fingers will become fat.
[both laugh]
Better enjoy it while it's still slender.
Our wedding anniversary
is right around the corner.
I just fear that time is ticking already.
The years are sometimes kind.
Depends on your mouth full.
[both laugh]
Guess what.
I'm getting married.
[Bami gasps]
In a few weeks.
Bami (in Hausa): Really? Aisha: Yes.
No. [Pleasantly surprised]
[in Hausa]: Miss Tutu is getting married?
[Both burst out laughing]
Aisha (in Hausa): Have
you checked on your mother?
[rapid knocking]
Aisha?
Are we expecting guests?
So, what is this about then?
It is for you.
We are celebrating you coming back home.
I remember how much you love fried fish.
It looks really good.
Remember that day?
Safiya walked in on you stealing the fish
She was frying for lunch?
You put everything in your mouth so quickly
So she wouldn't catch you.
[chuckles]
Unfortunately for you, the fish was so hot
It burnt your tongue.
And practically burnt my mouth.
She made fun of you for so long.
[imitating accent, mimicking]
"Safiya"
"Safiya"
[In Hausa]: "Please get
me some cold water."
[Bami laughs]
"Safiya, I can't drink
this tea it is too hot."
"Safiya spell parallelogram..."
[both laugh]
And unfortunately for you
She made you repeat it three times
Pretending that she couldn't
hear what you were saying.
Even when we all knew she could.
[Aisha laughs softly]
Aisha.
Mmm?
[In Hausa]: What happened to Safiya?
[Aisha, V.O]: Alhaji Ahmed
was very upset with your parents.
He harassed them daily.
Insisting they bring you out of hiding
Or pay back the Sadaiki he paid for you.
Safiya (in Hausa): Good evening
father. Good evening mother.
I accept to marry Alhaji.
Hauwa: I am proud of you my
child. You are doing what's right.
[Aisha, V.O]: Your father
Decided to the Alhaji Safiya in your stead.
She agreed.
I begged her not to do it.
But she had compassion for your parents.
She was no longer 12.
She had become a lady who was determined
To do right by her
family no matter the cost.
[Safiya screams in lab our pangs]
I suspect she had no idea what
was expected of her as a wife.
She wished you would come back.
[Safiya screams softly]
Days after the wedding,
My Aunt visited and decided to take me
To live with her in Maiduguri.
That's how I was able to
get a little bit of an education.
Hauwa: Yasmine
[Aisha]: Are you okay?
Hali...?
[door slams]
[beats the grass]
[cows mooing]
[music playing]
[music fades]
[water splash]
Bami (in Hausa): I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to startle you.
What are you reading?
What book do you have there?
Hello?
Kabila (in Hausa): Why
won't you leave me alone?
I don't know what you want from me.
My life is already hard. Don't
make it more complicated for me.
How are you?
Halima?!
[In Hausa]: Am I not talking to you?
I just asked you a question.
My name is not Halima.
You vanished many years ago.
You return,
No apologies.
No explanation,
No remorse,
And you change your name?
Don't test my patience, young woman.
[In Hausa]: You still don't get it.
And you will never get it.
[startled exclamation]: Ah, ah, ah
Are you okay?
[Sadiq mumbles]
I gave her
the best man in the community.
And yet, she hates me for this?
I arranged a very good marriage for her.
Wise, mature and of good genes.
I'm sorry.
I do not mean any insult, young man.
No of fence taken.
I have spent many years
thinking of what we did wrong.
I think she just wanted an education.
And to be able to make
her own choices afterwards.
Education?
Education.
I married her mother when she was thirteen.
And she was already educated.
She knows how to sew
How to cook
How to bake
And raise children.
And in return
I give her a good life.
What else does a woman want?
Your daughter
She's a fine nurse.
Everyone in the hospital
in Lagos loves her.
My daughter?
My daughter...
[Footsteps approaching]
Aisha: Ah
Your husband is back.
Are you okay?
I'm knotted on the inside.
I'm very proud of him that
He gets to help all these people.
At the same time, I'm just
mad at him for taking that risk.
Anything could have happened.
I could have lost him.
Besides, my mother is
obviously feeling better.
There's nothing left to keep us here.
Halima!
[Shouting in Hausa]:
Please don't call me that!
[Aisha Gasps]
Do you forget everything?
Don't you care about this place?!
Your parents.
Me.
I don't belong here.
I can't breathe here.
[sobbing]
It's okay. Sorry
Please don't cry.
[Bami inhales]
That girl...
That girl that sells tuwo
every day at the market square.
She's a teenager.
[Bami]: I found some
of my old books with her.
Aisha: Ah. Kabila.
Her name is Kabila.
Yasmine must have given them to her.
She and your niece were best friends.
Yasmine?
Safiya's daughter?
I gave them to Yasmine.
Safiya loved those books.
They were all she had of you.
She gave them to me when she got married.
When Safiya died
Your mum brought Yasmine back to Attagara.
- Could she read and write?
- Of course.
I taught both Kabila
and Yasmine all I knew.
Bami (in Hausa): What happened to Yasmine?
[Hauwa In Hausa]: After
we lost you and your sister...
After we lost you and your sister
We were careful to protect Yasmine
Raised her with love.
When Yasmine was twelve
years old, her father came
he betrothed her to a
trader in Warabe village.
Aisha: She was killed.
At the river bank by the militants.
[Hauwa]: It was such an unfortunate event
Bami: You allowed a twelve-year-old
To be married off to a stranger.
Tradition
Bami: Your tradition killed
my sister and my niece!!
Hauwa: There was nothing that could be done
Aisha: That's okay.
Hauwa: That is tradition
I can't believe how gullible you are.
Aisha (In Hausa): Don't
say that to your mother
[Aisha]: No!
[Children splashing in the river]
I'm very miserable here.
I know.
I'm sorry.
I've set up the clinic.
I found a young lady, Rahab.
She wants to be a nurse.
So I'm giving her a crash course on
How to treat the common cold and
How to dress wounds.
Why are you so invested in these people?
Are you okay?
[Villagers whispering]
[Aisha in Hausa]: What happened?
[Sadiq]: His convoy was
ambushed three days ago.
He was on his way to a funeral.
He was killed.
The Emir of Uba was abducted.
[Gasps in disbelief]
Nowhere is safe.
Nowhere is safe.
The men are setting up a vigilant
group to guard Attagara tonight.
I suggest we all stay indoors.
But I do have a patient
to go check up after dinner.
[Sadiq grunts in disagreement]
[Crickets chirping]
[In Hausa]: Why do you come here at night?
Have you read this?
When I was your age, I used to read this to
Yasmine's mother and Aunty Aisha.
Trust me, you'll like it.
I think Sidi was a silly girl and
That's why does she always go into trouble?
Honestly, If I was her,
I would have chosen Lakunle.
Don't stay up too late.
[in Hausa]: Please be careful.
[Bami]: Have a good night.
[Music playing]
[Praying inaudibly]
[Sharpening cutlasses]
[Vigilantes chant angrily]
Leader(in Hausa): Listen, when we are out.
If you see a child, you take it out.
See an old man, take it out.
See an infant, take it out.
Take out whatever and whoever you see.
[Men chanting]
They must not joke with us!
[Men echo chants]
[sshhh]
And sleepy head
Decides to join the land of the living.
[Oyedele]: Good morning to you too
My beautiful wife.
Happy anniversary.
[Bami laughs gleefully]
Ah
Where did you get this?
From Lagos.
You came with this from Lagos?
Now I feel so lame with my card.
Well, it's not a competition.
Besides, you deserve
everything this world has to offer.
[Oyedele]: Mmmmm...
There we go.
Thank you.
[wet kisses]
Bami: Thank you
I'm so happy.
Then we're going back to Lagos today!
But first we have to make a
stop at Aisha's Nikkah ceremony
For a few hours and then
we can leave from there.
Okay?
Erm.
Well...
What?
It's nothing. No tell me. What is it?
It's just that I'm a doctor.
And I took an oath to help people.
You're a certified nurse and there are
So many people here that
you could actually help.
But instead you...
You whine and complain
about going to Lagos and ..
Rahab could actually use your guidance.
I whine and complain?
I didn't mean it like that, honey.
Look you know what?
- It's our anniversary let's not...
- Yeah. You should have thought that before
Calling me a traitor and a spoilt brat.
[In Hausa]: Stand up.
[Ominous music playing]
Allah is the greatest.
The hour is upon us.
Remember what I told you?
[Oyedele]: Bami.
Look I'm sorry.
Can't we just talk about
this and figure this out?
- Bami!
- Rahab.
Sir?
Store this away.
Okay sir.
Please document those first, Okay?
Yes doctor.
Sadiq: Rahab. How are you adjusting?
Rahab: I'm learning sir.
Sadiq: Wow, that is very good.
Oyedele: Feeling good?
Sadiq: I think you should go back to Lagos.
Hauwa is alright now.
I want my daughter to be happy.
She is not happy here.
I know she has found a good man
To take care of her...
But
She is not ready yet.
I wish I could do more.
Hmm.
Well, you have things to do.
You have to pack.
We have a wedding to attend.
Am I not right, Rahab?
[Talking drums]
[Wedding ceremony chanting in Hausa]
[Singers chanting off screen]
[Inaudible]
[Chanting continues in the background]
[Ceremony chanting continues]
[Inaudible]
Hey.
My job is done here.
I'm ready to go back to Lagos.
Really?
Really.
[sighs softly]
Let's go in then.
[inaudible, chanting continues O.S]
[inaudible]
[Ceremony chanting continues in background]
Oyedele: Greetings to you all.
[suspence music]
It's okay... It's a wedding. It's a wedding
No no no no... not now
We will handle it later
[sudden explosion]
Oh my God...
Aisha, Aisha get up
[Ominous music playing]
[survivors weep and wail bitterly]
[Aisha wails in anguish]
[Insurgents in Hausa]:
Allah is the greatest.
[Gunfire erupts]
[Gunshots]
[Insurgents in Hausa]:
Allah is the greatest.
[rapid gunfire]
[Villagers flee in panic]
[Low rumble of distant explosion]
[Gun Shots]
[Fire crackling]
[goat bleating]
[inaudible]
Toma (in Hausa): Please
where can I find Mr Sadiq?
Please where can I find Mr Sadiq?
Woman: Sadiq? Toma: Yes.
Meet her.
That woman?
Yes
[Inaudible]
Toma: Bami.
Hauwa: Halima.
Halima.
Toma: Bami.
Herbalist: Where are you taking her to?
Hauwa (in Hausa): Sorry
[Bami moans]
Hey.
Bami.
Open your eyes. Hey!
Bami.
Look you have a fever
and you need medication.
I need to know what to use on you.
Can you help?
Look stop pretending.
You're not as weak. Pick one
and let me jab you and
save your life woman.
Is it this one?
Is it this?
[Bami winces]
Hauwa (in Hausa): Hopefully,
the fever breaks in the morning.
I have to go lay down now.
There is food in the kitchen.
Thank you.
Are you okay?
Bami I need to know you'll
be okay when I'm gone.
Leave it.
There's no need to be hard on yourself.
Just leave.
Not until I know that you'll be okay.
Listen.
I know you haven't thought about it but
have you considered how
you're going to get back home?
Lagos?
I can take you if you wish.
Well
I have to go to Maiduguri first.
Gwoza is entirely ravaged.
Villages have been plundered.
There's nothing here. No one can help.
My phone lines are bad.
I haven't been able
to alert the authorities
About the massacre that happened here
And the troops that were
posted here have been
Redeployed into the forest
hideouts of the insurgents.
Four villages were laid to waste.
I feel so foolish. I
could have stopped him.
Why didn't they just kill me too?
I'm not hungry.
Look
You need to eat up.
No.
Listen.
I'm not taking you to Lagos
with me if you do not eat.
I'm not going to risk my
chance of getting out of this
Hellhole alive
If you are too scrawny and weak to move.
Take.
Open and eat.
I have to go to Maiduguri to
Report what happened here.
And also arrange transportation for us.
It shouldn't take too long.
It'll be about two days.
And then we need to get out of here.
Why did you come?
I was with Oye when Patawe was attacked.
I was also with the Emirs
when one of them was killed.
I came down to warn him but...
It's too late.
[sighs]
Just be packed and ready to
leave by the time I get back.
Thank you.
Hauwa (in Hausa): Have you eaten?
How are you feeling?
I'm okay.
Mother? Yes.
Thank you.
You do not need to thank me.
Bami (in Hausa): Do you
know if Kabila is okay?
I don't know what to do
with her. She's not eating.
No one is left for her, just me.
And I honestly can't raise a child now.
Can I see her?
Yes of course you can see her.
Maybe I can take her to the government
Secretariat in Maiduguri?
Anywhere is better than here.
She is better off there.
What about you? Where will you go?
Don't worry about me.
Stand.
Let's go. Okay?
Come on. Get up.
[Kabila humming a song]
Hauwa (in Hausa): Kabila, how are you?
No one is in Attagara.
Halima is going to Lagos
She wants to take you to Maiduguri.
There is a better chance
for you outside here.
Please don't ignore this chance.
Kabila: What's the point?!
[in Hausa]: Because of education
Everyone here is dead.
Yasmine, your husband, Aisha, my baba.
Because of her, Allah
sent them to punish us.
Baba told me the day I read a book other
Than the Quran Allah
will see. And Allah saw!
Allah is the greatest. We are doomed.
[Hauwa sobbing]
[Music playing]
[Inaudible]
[Hauwa in Hausa]: God
have mercy! God have mercy!
They have taken her! They got her!
The militants have taken Kabila.
They carried her off in the truck.
Poor Kabila, she has lost everybody.
She has nobody else left and
Now she has been taken
away by the terrorists.
Why Lord? Why?
This is heartbreaking-Oh Kabila
What are we going to do? (Sobbing)
[Indistinct monologue, muffled]
Why Lord? Why this poor child?
[Echoing inner voices,
dissonant and overlapping]
[Echoing inner voices fade]
[Mumbling prayers]
Bami (in Hausa): Mama, listen to me.
I'm going to bring back Kabila.
Never. No way. I won't let you go. No!
Mama, I don't have time
to argue this with you.
I am responsible for that
child. I am going to get her.
It's not your fault.
You are all I have left, please.
Mama I am all she has left as well.
Please I cannot abandon her.
Please don't leave me
alone again... don't punish me
Mama.
I forgive you.
I forgive you, mama. Please.
But I need you to understand
that I have to do this.
It's dangerous. It is very very dangerous
Mama, please. Please.
Promise me that you
will not wait for me here.
Promise me that you will leave
with Toma when he gets here. Please.
Please be very careful.
Bami (in Hausa): Thank you, Mama.
Please promise me.
Promise me that you will leave
with him as soon as he gets here.
Mama promise not to
wait for me here, please.
Please be careful, my child.
Don't leave me in this world alone.
[muffled]
[Vehicle approaching]
[Door Opens]
[Door slammed shut]
Why couldn't she just wait for me?
My daughter is doing a brave thing.
I can't tell if she has a death wish
Or an overdose of self-pity.
What?
I have to go.
Where?
To look for her.
I want to help.
Will you be willing to tell
the army what happened here?
You are a witness to the massacre
You saw everything they did.
How they operated.
You saw it all.
Hauwa (in Hausa): I did.
After you have been debriefed,
You have to get to safety.
I will.
[Gun cock]
[In Hausa]: Where did you come from?
Where are you going?
Won't you answer me? Ehn?
[News, Voiceover]: The
Nigerian military has deployed
Two battalions of troops and
1000 special forces soldiers
To northern Borno state - to search for
And rescue the over 200 girls
Who were abducted from their school
In Chibok, 3 weeks ago.
The senior adviser to the
president on public affairs
Dr. Doyin Okupe disclosed the efforts
In a television interview
monitored by PanAm on Tuesday
He said the military has flown 250
Searches over the Sambisa forest
The stronghold of the
violent sect, Boko Haram
Which just claimed
responsibility for the abduction...
[Child sobbing]
[An Insurgent in Hausa]: Be quiet.
I say silence.
[child crying]
Just shut up.
Are you not going to be
quiet? For the last time be quiet.
[Bami, Voiceover]: Now you
understand how I got here.
I can't run anymore.
I refuse to run from confronting this path.
[Arabic Alphabets]
Insurgent (In Hausa): How long
will it take to get the food ready?
You all are just wasting time (hisses)
[Bami, Voiceover]: Running from
outdated traditions has cost me too much.
My freedom.
My sister.
My niece.
Aisha.
And my husband.
But this time.
I stay.
I stay for Kabila.
Kabila (in Hausa): I thought
you went back to Lagos.
My mother told me what happened.
I came to find you.
[In Hausa]: I tell you they
are all useless... fill my cup.
Yes, fill my cup.
This is so smooth.
[Muffled conversation]
How dare you spill this on me?
She deserves to be punished
Put it down!
Make an example of her.
[Kabila screams]
Shut up!
A stupid, useless foolish girl like you.
Do you dare to let it spill on me?
Today I will teach you a lesson.
Make her suffer.
Shut up, you idiot.
If you wish to take off the hand, do it.
Child of infidels.
Kabila: I'm sorry, have mercy on me.
[Knife shwing]
Please I am begging you in Allah's name.
Have Mercy! Have Mercy
Cut it off.
[Sobbing]
I said shut your mouth.
[Shrilling scream]
Allah is the greatest.
Allah is the greatest.
You are still irritating me.
Do I look like your father?
Get lost!
Kabila: It hurts too much. I
am begging you that's enough.
Make it stop.
Woman: Be brave... be brave
[Whimpers in pain]
[Gun Cocks]
[In Hausa]: This way
[Children screaming]
Move
Move
Leader (in Hausa): Listen up.
Your husbands are dead.
Your families are dead.
From now on we are your family.
We are your husbands.
We are a family now.
Do you understand me?
Nobody is permitted to
that area unless told to.
Understood?
[Ominous music playing]
Kabila (in Hausa): Leave me alone.
I beg of you please leave me alone.
Have mercy! Let go! Please have mercy!
Quiet!
Bami: Let her go, please let her go.
Where did you get this from?
Leave. I said leave.
[Bami, Voiceover]: Some
will call this a great sacrifice.
But that will be incorrect.
I call it penance.
An atonement for abandoning my sister.
For turning my back on my niece.
For Oyedele's death.
Kabila is my one chance at redemption.
To protect a child at all costs.
To give what I wasn't given.
To undo the shame of running.
The pain of losing.
And to gain the joy of facing my fears.
Fighting my battles.
And winning.
Oh yes.
I intend to win.
No alternatives.
No plan Bs.
I, Bami Lawson will win this war.
Bami: Tell me more about Yasmine.