Child victim of Boko Haram survives spinal surgery in Dubai

A six-year old victim of Boko Haram, Ali Ahmadu, who was flown to Dubai for corrective surgery in his spinal cord, has undergone a successful surgery.

Master Ahmadu can now walk after spending 14 days in the hospital.

The $48,000 (N17.5million) hospital bill was footed by Dickens Sanomi Foundation.

The surgery at Zulekha Hospital Sharjah in Dubai, United Arab Emirates was coordinated by Dr. Nishit Bhargava.

Dickens Sanomi Foundation was established by a philanthropist and owner of Taleveras Group, Igho Sanomi.

Mr Sanomi said: “Miracles do happen. For those of you who don’t believe in God, better believe in God now.

“This is Ali Ahmadu who was run over by Boko Haram terrorists in 2014. The boy and his pregnant mother were left under a tree for three days. The boy was bleeding from mouth and nose throughout the agonising days.

“Ali’s spinal cord was damaged and he couldn’t walk. For three years, help was needed. God made it possible after five to six hours of surgery and 48 hours in intensive care. Little Ali could walk again. This happened today to everyone’s surprise.

“This determined six-year old boy got off his bed and decided to walk despite doctors’ expectations that he would need physiotherapy to learn to walk again at least three weeks after surgery. Today, Ali walked after just seven days.

“This made my day and I am so proud of the Dickens Sanomi Foundation for making this surgery possible financially.”

The  Founder of  Global Initiative for Peace, Love and Care, GIPLC, Nuhu Kwajafa, who collaborated with the Sanomi Foundation, explained how Ali was initially picked up by his organisation.

“After five hours on the 17th of September and almost 48 hours in Intensive Care Unit, Ali Ahmadu had a very successful procedure.

“It has been a divine journey starting far away in Chibok in 2014. It is the story of a little boy left to die, underneath a tree, to where (Dubai) we are today.

“It is about a fighting spirit, a resolute charming soul and spirit beating all odds to survive and walk again.

“It seemed unachievable but thanks to all our efforts. We have cause to rejoice. This is to say a big thank you from Ali’s family and GIPLC. Most especially our best regards goes to the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki and his colleagues who set the ball rolling towards raising funds and awareness for the surgery.

“Our profound gratitude goes specially to Dickens Sanomi Foundation for making it all happen and for being at the hospital with Ali.

“This surgery was made possible by the esteemed Foundation. Thank you once again the Chairman of the Foundation, Igho Sanomi and its Board of Trustees.

“We thank the press (print and electronic). We cannot do it without you.We are grateful. We thank Nigerians for their prayers and well-wishes. God will bless you all immensely. God has done it again.”