I Attempted Suicide 5 Times After Hit-and-run Driver Crushed My Leg – Victim

Kwara State-born event planner, Faridah Busari, spoke to PUNCH’s ABDULLATEEF FOWEWE on how she suffered memory loss and attempted suicide after a Lagos commercial driver who disobeyed traffic regulations broke her leg

Can you narrate how the accident happened?

My name is Faridah Busari, I am 29 years old and from Offa, Kwara State. However, I currently live in Lagos where I work as an events planner. The incident took place on February 11, 2023, during an event on Lagos Island that I was running late for. As I made my way to the event, I received several phone calls from the coordinator wondering why I was delayed. I had to keep him and the other people updated on my progress.

When I arrived on the Island because I was already running late, I decided not to use the pedestrian bridge. Instead, I saw that the traffic light was red and all vehicles had stopped, so I took the opportunity to cross the road. Just as I was about to cross, a friend who we were supposed to move together called to check on my location, and I told her I was already nearby and only needed to cross the road.

As I was crossing after ending the call, I saw a bus driver speeding towards me, breaking the traffic rules. The bus hit me, causing me to fall and lose consciousness. Witnesses said part of me was stuck on the bus as the driver refused to stop, which led to serious injuries, including bruises on my face.

What was the driver’s reaction?

Eyewitnesses said the driver later stopped around the tollgate and ran away; thankfully, the kind people who witnessed the accident rushed me to the hospital. They mentioned that the first vehicle they tried refused to convey me to the hospital because the driver thought I was dead, and he said he did not want to have issues with the police, but later they saw a vehicle that conveyed me to the nearest hospital. When I arrived at the hospital, I was admitted to the emergency room and given several injections.

What happened after that?

When I woke up, I was surprised to find myself in a hospital bed and tried to move my body but I couldn’t because of the pain. My left leg was broken and the heel of my right leg was peeled off, and there were multiple bruises on my body. The doctor asked for a contact number, and I provided my best friend’s number. When she didn’t answer, the doctor said they couldn’t proceed with my treatment without the presence of any of my family members, and that was when I gave my mother’s number to the doctor. The doctor called my mother and informed her; that when she arrived at the hospital with my brother, they made some payment for my treatment to continue.

However, on February 14, 2023, I underwent surgery on my leg and the doctor assured me that I should not fall into depression and I would eventually be able to function normally. I was hospitalised for two weeks, with my mother, and brother by my side all through. It was a challenging time, but I remained strong for my family. I am grateful for the doctors and nurses at the hospital who provided excellent care, making me realise the value of the money we spent on my treatment. My friends also contributed financially, which allowed us to cover the medical expenses.

Were you able to walk after the surgery?

Afterward, I relied on crutches to move around as I couldn’t stand for months. A nurse always visited our home daily then to tend to my injuries, with treatment costs paid every two days. The pain was constant during the period, but I persevered.

What about the driver, did you later see him?

The hit-and-run driver later came to visit me in the hospital because his bus was taken to the police station, and the police instructed him to come to the hospital and cover the bills. However, when he came, he didn’t do much but he apologised for the incident and explained that it was not intentional.

What was your reaction when the driver came to the hospital?

When I saw the driver, I was filled with mixed emotions; I was just staring at him. Even if I were to see the driver today, I wouldn’t react. It’s all in the past, and I believe it was just a coincidence.

How did your family react to the driver’s action?

My family’s reaction to seeing the driver was one of anger. My mother accused him of trying to kill me by not waiting, and my brothers were ready to attack him, noting that if he had stopped immediately after hitting me, my injuries wouldn’t have been so severe; they were upset that the injuries would’ve resulted in just a broken leg.

What was your immediate reaction when you woke up and realised that you were in the hospital?

Upon waking up in the hospital, my immediate reaction was a combination of shock and intense pain, which rendered me immobile.

What was your friends’ reaction when they heard about the incident?

I later found out that my mother was the one who informed my sister, who then relayed the information to my friends. The news came as a shock to them and left them saddened, particularly because I had been in contact with most of them just moments or days before the accident.

Can you describe your mother’s reaction when she heard about the incident and when she eventually set her eyes on you?

As for my mother, upon receiving the call from the hospital, she initially couldn’t comprehend the news and was in a state of denial. However, when she arrived at the hospital and laid her eyes on me in such a condition, she became hysterical and fainted. Upon regaining consciousness, she burst into tears. Unfortunately, my father passed away in 2021.

How is your physical condition after the accident and how is your recovery progressing?

Regarding my physical condition post-accident, I am still grappling with the aftermath. The recovery process is ongoing, and it continues to be a journey of healing and improvement. However, after leaving the hospital, my post-accident experience was challenging as I had to constantly clean my wounds due to the intense pain. I sustained injuries all over my body, from head to toe. However, my recovery journey began around August 2023, and after three months of using crutches, I started walking without the crutches. I made sure to exercise regularly and maintain regular communication with my doctor. Additionally, I incorporated a diet rich in fruits. Gradually, my wounds began to heal, and I am grateful for that.

What has been the most challenging aspect of coping with these conditions following the accident?

The most difficult part has been dealing with the aftermath of the bruises. Even now, I can’t wear anything that reveals my back due to an obvious scar, and this often leads people to ask uncomfortable questions, assuming it is the result of a fire incident or hot water accident. To avoid these inquiries, I have refrained from exposing my body. Also, my left leg, which was fractured, is still causing discomfort and hasn’t fully healed yet, and I can’t walk to a distant place.

Did you encounter any unforeseen difficulties?

The primary challenge I faced was my inability to do anything independently. I couldn’t even move from one place to another without assistance. My mother had to clean my body with a towel since I couldn’t take a proper bath, and my brothers had to carry me, even to the toilet. I required constant support because my body was weak and unable to perform basic tasks. Additionally, repeatedly purchasing prescribed medications was difficult, but we managed with some donations.

Did anyone treat you disrespectfully because of your condition?

No, never; everyone showed me sympathy and prayed for my recovery.

What type of support did your friends provide?

My friends provided me with emotional, financial, and mental support. They were there for me from the moment the incident occurred. I never felt alone; there was always a friend available to talk to and share my struggles with.

Did you experience depression during your recovery?

Yes. I was depressed to the extent that I contemplated suicide about five times that year. I kept asking myself why this had to happen to me, especially at the beginning of the year when I had so many plans for myself. The accident disrupted things for me. I also experienced memory loss; I was just confused and not myself in general.

 Who supported you and prevented you from committing suicide?

Honestly, it was my family. They kept motivating me in every possible way, and I couldn’t bear to let them down.

How did you regain the lost memories?

My memory gradually returned on its own as the months passed by. My doctor assured me that it would come back in time, as it was a result of my head injury.

What activities or strategies did you use to prevent yourself from feeling more depressed?

I engaged in activities that made me happy, like going to the beach with my friends during the healing period, listening to inspirational songs, watching uplifting movies, and praying silently a lot when I was alone.

Are there specific memories or moments from the accident that remain vivid in your mind?

I always remember the moment the bus struck me, how my leg broke, the bruises when I woke from the slump, and all the nurses who attended to me. I also remember my mum constantly feeding me and staying by my side, my friends visiting me one by one in the hospital, the day of my leg surgery, the first time the cast was removed, and the first day I walked without crutches. I also remember the pain of dressing my wounds, making it the most painful year of my life. I never prayed for such to happen to my enemy and never to experience that kind of pain again.

Can you share any positive experiences or unexpected blessings from this challenging situation?

I received massive donations from a post made by my friend about my accident on Twitter, as well as from my secondary and university peers, which helped with hospital bills and other expenses. It also helped me rekindle some friendships I had lost, which is a blessing.

What goals or milestones did you set during your rehabilitation?

I have some courses I want to take, and I hope to be able to complete at least one of them by God’s grace. I also hope to secure a better job very soon.

How do you think Nigerians can help you?

I would be glad if I could receive a better job offer from Nigerians. I don’t mind if it’s a remote or part-time job. I also don’t mind if anyone is ready to help me financially, because the broken leg is not functioning like before; if I can see money to start up a less stressful business, it will be much appreciated.

How has this experience changed your perspective on life and affected your priorities?

My entire outlook on life has shifted since that day. If someone had told me that I would encounter a critical accident just an hour after leaving home, I wouldn’t have believed it. My motto now is to live right, as you never know when your last day will be. In the end, everything is fleeting; nothing matters except the lives of those our existence touches while we are alive. I now take things more simply and live each day as if it’s my last.

What advice will you give to individuals who may be facing a similar situation?

I will advise them not to give up on themselves or life because no condition is permanent. Sometimes, great things can arise from bad incidents. Everything happens for a reason, so they should try to stay positive and pray for the best.

What advice do you have for drivers?

Drivers should always obey traffic lights and reduce their speed, whether on the Island or anywhere else in the country. In the event of an accident, they should be kind enough to take the injured person to the nearest hospital. By doing so, they may save a life. It’s also important for them to get in touch with the injured person’s family if possible. Running away is not the best option because what has happened has happened, and they should be prioritising humanity.