Prudence Onaah, a talented Nigerian author, pens her debut novel ‘Calling Death,’ a powerful and poignant account of the Jos Crisis, shedding light on the harrowing experiences of the affected communities.
In ‘Calling Death,’ Onaah masterfully captures the multifaceted nature of the Jos Crisis, which spans a long period of time and has seen numerous large uprisings. The author encountered significant challenges while writing this captivating work, ensuring that the diverse perspectives of all Jossites were adequately represented.
Regarding the difficulties in crafting the narrative, Onaah shared, “The Jos crisis has many faces and is a series of large uprisings occurring over a long period of time. It also evades reconciliation and governmental intervention. While concluding the story, I expected that the crisis was nearing its end, as did many Jossites. However, the events that unfolded in Jos years later proved differently. The main challenge was presenting this story through the eyes of all Jossites, recognizing that the way students experienced the crisis was vastly different from other inhabitants due to their unique environments and situations. Capturing all these faces of Jos, bound by a shared experience of insecurity, fear, and hatred, was essential, and I strived to achieve this by including all the major uprisings within the book’s timeline.”
Additionally, Onaah grappled with the decision to frame the narrative as fiction while ensuring accuracy in depicting the actual events of the Jos crisis. The resulting blend of fact and fiction in ‘Calling Death’ delivers a solid and authentic account of the occurrences during this tumultuous period.
When asked about her aspirations for the novel’s impact on readers’ understanding of the Jos Crisis, Onaah expressed, “I hope that readers will grasp the depth of these uprisings, not just in Jos but also in Benue, Kaduna, Borno, and other parts of the country. ‘Calling Death’ exposes them to the perspectives of the victims and offers insight into the experiences of those caught up in war. Most importantly, I desire the book to inspire readers to choose peace over the aftermath of war. Sectional hate and fanaticism only lead to death and destruction, leaving behind trauma and avoidable pain. Through ‘Calling Death,’ I hope readers will fall in love with Jos and its people while learning invaluable lessons that can promote peace in other parts of the country. It is my wish that future generations turn to ‘Calling Death’ to gain insight into the events that unfolded in Jos.”
Addressing the novel’s resonance with readers who have faced similar challenges, Onaah emphasized, “Like the traveler who narrates ‘Calling Death,’ individuals can find solace and healing by engaging in conversations about these conflicts. This novel is the first step towards that direction. As readers witness the magnitude of the damage caused by such crises, they can take actionable steps, such as creating new policies directly affecting the lives of those caught in insurgency, thereby fostering positive change. To those who relate to ‘Calling Death,’ I hope it offers a sense of liberation, much like Eva experienced. My earnest wish is that the novel sheds light on your own experiences, assists in resolving feelings of loss, provides avenues for seeking help, and ultimately aids in moving forward.”
‘Calling Death’ stands as a compelling testament to the resilience of communities facing turmoil and reflects Prudence Onaah’s dedication to addressing critical societal issues through her powerful storytelling.
