In Memory of Eve Itiaba Inwang

As I go back in time to 20th May 2005. It was just like that every other day. I was in SS2, Meg and Eve were in JS2 same school. 

Meg and I were in school that morning  while Eve who was the class prefect of her class; a very beautiful and the smartest 11 years old kid I know who was also a member of the Red Cross Society went for an event outside school. She was the flag bearer and it was important for her to be at the event. This was her first event outside town. 

My dad didn’t want her to go. The leaders and I convinced him that she’ll be fine and I volunteered to go with her; I did this because I felt she needed the exposure and he agreed reluctantly.  But  considering the fact that she was going with her guardian; who promised to take care of her and we had a test in school that morning I couldn’t go with her and that was the last time I ever saw her alive. 

I went to school in the evening for compound work/sport and I was rushing home so I could meet Eve up so she could gist me how her day went. 

As I walked home from school I saw that other persons were back and I hastened my steps to get back home. When I got to my street people were looking at me with sorrowful eyes. Some even called me to greet me while others murmured that I didn’t know what was happening. 

I got to my house and saw quite a crowd and people were crying. Only for me to enter the house through the back door and my greatest fear was affirmed. 

My sister was dead. I met my dad and siblings crying and I couldn’t still believe it was real until I saw her lifeless body which was without a scar..

We were later told there was a fight where they had the event and that in order to keep the young ones safe they had to put them in a bike and she fell from the bike and died of internal bleeding because there was no one to take her to the hospital. I still remember everything clearly.

Damn!!! it’s been 15 years and it doesn’t make it any better! I see her in my dream every now and then. Some days are good and others bad . I don’t think I’ll ever forget her. I still feel guilt every time I remember this and I’ve been thinking of what I could’ve done differently. Maybe if I didn’t convince my dad to let her go with them she’ll still be here. I think I failed her because I was supposed to protect her I was supposed to go with her if not for the test. This and many other thoughts run through my mind as I remember her today which marks 15 years of her death; what she could’ve been and what she would’ve achieved. She wanted to be a model and a doctor and I’m sure she would’ve been a good one. The days and early years after her death was the most difficult for me as I had to learn how live without her because she was with me everywhere I went. It’s not been easy but I’ve been able to make a few new memories and also wishing she was here with us. Nothing I can do that will bring her back and there’s nothing that can be compared with the pain of loosing a sister at such a young age. I can’t bring her  back but I’ll always remember her. 

May the soul of Eve Itiaba Inwang and the soul of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen 🙏