Sole survivor of Boko Haram genocide, who lived to work and raise a family, finally succumbs to death
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Nathaniel Ezekiel Wali, the sole survivor of a genocidal Boko Haram attack in Yobe in 2013, has finally died, according to human rights lawyer Emmanuel Ogebe who adopted him as a son when they first met in the North East 12 years ago.
Nathan was working for a construction company in Yobe when the terrorists stormed their staff quarters and singled out Christians for killing. Only one Muslim was among them.
Ogebe said Nathan told him that the Islamist jihadists were enraged at the Muslim, asking why he mingled with Christians despite their various warnings. They executed all the Christians and the sole Muslim, too.
Nathan was shot five times – two to the head, one to the chest and two on the leg. All his Christian coworkers singled out for execution died but he survived for over a dozen years.
“He [Nathan] was a real ‘fighter’ who refused to die despite being left for dead. He was also a real Christian,” Ogebe added.
“Actually it was Nathan who adopted me as his father. Several of the young men who we have helped end up declaring I am their father.
“I first met Nathan in 2013 when a delegation of Christian Association of Nigerian Americans (CANAN USA) came on a relief mission to Nigeria. Victims came from the northeast to meet us in Abuja and we supported them through CAN with a donation of $50,000.
“Afterwards, I interviewed one of the victims from Yobe and discovered he had only one nostril. I asked why the doctors didn’t create a second one. He said it was because he couldn’t afford the balance of 250,000 naira.
“Since then my team has facilitated about four operations for him. Nathan suffered two strokes, hypertension and diabetes as collateral effects of his mortal injuries.
“Yet he got married after being abandoned by his fiancée and had kids before abandonment by his wife. He farmed to survive despite his condition but unfortunately the flooding from the Cameroun dam destroyed his farm rendering him destitute.
“Eventually, [in September 2025], he finally succumbed after surviving almost 13 years. I had gone to visit him in Jalingo [in August 2025] and found that he’d used the feeding money I sent him to travel to Yobe for treatment from where he never returned alive.
“I want to thank Voice of the Christian Martyrs Nigeria and Canada for the various surgeries they assisted with when Nigeria provided no assistance. I also thank Taraba state for employing him and assisting with the burial.
“May the Lord comfort his mother and the family. He was an inspirational faith hero who has gone to his reward.
“Below is the family’s obituary:”
Brief biography of Nathaniel Moses Ezekiel Gajere
Nathaniel Moses Ezekiel was born to the family of the late Mr. Ezekiel Gajere Walli and Mrs. Elsie Ezekiel Gajere on March 3, 1980 at Bambur, Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Baptism
Nathaniel Moses Ezekiel Gajere was baptised in 2000 at ECA GOODNEWS, Damaturu by Rev. Garba Bangalau.
Education
He started his early education at Njiwaji Primary School, Damaturu, Yobe State from 1987 to 1992 and Bambur Primary School from 1992 to 1997. He was admitted into Government Day Secondary School, Bambur where he obtained his Senior Secondary School Certificate in 2015.
Nathaniel Moses Ezekiel gained admission into National Diploma (OND), surveying and geo-informatics of the Federal Polytechnic, Damaturu from 2000 to 2004 and the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi for Higher National Diploma (HND) in surveying and geo-informatics from 2006 to 2008.
Work experience
Moses Nathaniel Ezekiel until his death was a staff member of Taraba State Ministry of Land and Survey.
His death
He died on Monday, 15th September 2025 in Damaturu, Yobe State. He left behind to mourn him, his mother, Mrs. Elsie Ezekiel Gajere, brothers, sisters and numerous other relations.
May his gentle soul rest in peace with our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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