Idris Daja, a 31-year-old civil servant from Niger State, recently experienced a profound loss when his 25-year-old wife, Maryam Liman, passed away just 11 days after their wedding. In an interview with Temitope Adetunji, he shared his grief and the circumstances surrounding her untimely death.
Idris was born in Daja, Zugurma District, within the Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State. He recounted the events leading up to Maryam’s death, which occurred on January 17, 2023. The couple had celebrated their wedding on January 6, and shortly after, Maryam began to complain of a persistent headache. Initially, Idris attributed her discomfort to the stress of the wedding preparations. Despite taking paracetamol, her condition worsened, prompting a visit to the hospital where doctors suggested her headache was stress-related. Tragically, Maryam passed away just one week after their wedding.
During her final moments, Idris was away on a work assignment in Mokwa. He received a call from his uncle, Suleiman Abubakar Daja, alerting him to Maryam’s critical condition, which compelled him to return to Minna immediately. Unfortunately, he did not learn of her death until friends began to reach out to him, and he discovered the news trending on social media. The moment he confirmed her passing was devastating; he described it as the most terrible experience of his life. In his sorrow, he repeatedly recited the phrase “Innalillahi Wa’inna’ilaihi Raju’un,” reflecting his deep sense of loss.
Idris fondly remembered Maryam as a practicing Muslimah who embodied modesty, chastity, and kindness. They met after his youth service when a relative introduced them. Despite the heartbreak of a previous relationship, he quickly recognized their compatibility and pursued a relationship that lasted a year before their wedding. He admired her caring nature and her commitment to her faith, noting how she would set alarms for daily prayers.
Coping with the tragic loss has been challenging for Idris. He acknowledges that it has not been easy, but he finds solace in the belief that God tests His servants in different ways. He reflects on how their wedding was initially planned for January 27, and he feels grateful that they were able to marry before her passing. Idris cherishes the memories they created together, including her joyful demeanor during conversations and her dedication to worship.
Maryam had recently completed her studies at the Fati Lami Institute of Legal and Administrative Studies and was set to begin a new chapter at Ibrahim Babangida University, Lapai, just three days after their wedding. Her funeral took place on January 18, 2023, at Hajiya Fatima Madugu’s residence, followed by burial at Gbakungu burial ground in Minna. Idris urges everyone to remember her in their prayers, emphasizing that although their time together was brief, the memories they shared are profound and lasting.
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