Feb 15 • 00:30 UTC 🇳🇬 Nigeria Punch

Tekunle: How a secret military detention centre became ghost island

The article discusses the transformation of Tekunle, a former secret military detention center in Nigeria, into a decaying facility that symbolizes broken promises and neglect in the surrounding community.

The Tekunle facility, located on an island in the Lagos Lagoon, has a complex history as both a covert military detention site for political prisoners and a rehabilitation center for marginalized individuals. Initially established to house those deemed threatening during military rule, the center's legacy is steeped in secrecy and the suffering of its inmates, many of whom have enduring scars from their experiences. Over time, it was supposed to evolve into a space for recovery and empowerment through skills acquisition, yet it now stands in disrepair, reflecting the unmet expectations and promises made by authorities.

The narrative transitions to the voices of former inmates and trainees, such as Jimoh Lawan, who share personal recollections of their time at the center. Jimoh's reflections underscore the profound impact of the past on the present, as he reminisces about his life at Tekunle and points to significant landmarks that evoke deep emotional responses. This personal lens adds depth to the story, illustrating how the community is intrinsically linked to the fate of the facility that once offered hope and potential.

Ultimately, the current state of the Tekunle center serves as a poignant reminder of state neglect and the consequences of political repression. As the community around it continues to struggle, the decay of Tekunle symbolizes more than just physical deterioration; it represents the haunting legacy of past injustices and the ongoing fight for recognition and respect within society, urging a conversation about accountability and the need for genuine reform in Nigeria's governance.

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