Book Review of The Legend of Buratai Volume 1

Abubakar Mohammed Sani, Ph.D., an exceptionally gifted journalist and writer, presents to Nigeria and the world a classic book of fiction that talks about a patriotic Army General—the retired Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai. The Legend of Buratai Volume 1 is a novel of nine (8) chapters and has one hundred and twenty (120) pages. Each of these chapters and pages is so richly engaging and informative from start to finish. This is a book written by a courageous civilian for a courageous General.

The author skillfully begins the book with a poem that portrays the might of a warrior by LTC Stephen H. White, assisted by Col. Francis X. Bradley and SP4 Howard. This style surely sets the tone for a rewarding read.

Chapter one talks about the name Tukur, which means extraordinary. It is the first name of the major character in this book. However, most people simply call him by his surname, which is Buratai. This chapter tries to show how often great people come to be known by a specific name. And in this case, Buratai is the name on the lips of many. The author expounded an excerpt from A Soldier’s Guide, a timeless book that meticulously outlines what it takes to be a soldier. This chapter also presents the very first motivation that changed the path of this legend into becoming an Army Officer—a tale of meeting the right people in the journey of life.

In the second chapter, we see the educational background of the legend, Buratai, his various promotions in the Army, and the awards for excellence he gets. As you carefully follow his promotions, you quickly realize that what the legend is today has a root that in itself is a story.

Moving on to chapters three and four, which talk about Buratai as a village in the Biu kingdom. Here, the author presents important historical information on the village of Buratai in northeast Nigeria.  On the other hand, chapter four of this book shows us the settlers of Buratai and their rich cultural resources and attachment to their sages. This chapter mentions an interesting prophecy by a sage about three great men emanating from Babur Bura in Biu kingdom every 100 years after his death. He died in 1560, so 1660, 1760, 1860, and 1960 are the years to watch, according to the old magus. These dates are related to the existence of the legend in this book because Tukur was born in 1960, exactly four hundred years after the Great Yamtarawala died. This is the crux of the book: “A star shall emerge from the land of Buratai after the 400th year of your demise. He is going to be a warrior and a soldier who will bring you great respect from all over the world. This great warrior has a mark: humility and selflessness,” said the old magus.

Chapter Five of the book is particularly fascinating because it details the Legend’s involvement in military activities. In this chapter, we learn how the then-Chief of the Army responded to an attack on Gudumbali and Buratai towns by forming a strategy and assembling a team of commandos who were able to successfully neutralize and capture some of the insurgents. Tukur the Legend, when he was young, also killed a lion that had been causing problems for the inhabitants of Buratai. Tukur saw this as an opportunity and used the hunting knowledge passed down to him by his grandfather to ambush and kill the lion with a bow and arrows. He became famous overnight after he severed the lion’s head and conquered the community.

In Chapter six, the author talks about the father of the Legend, who was a soldier, a World War II veteran, and a non-commissioned officer in the Royal West African Frontier Force. He shows us the power of father-child connections. The Holy Book says, “Honor thy father and mother so that it may be well thee.” This chapter will show the reader why it is important for today’s pupils and students to respect and honor their parents. It is what makes their education complete; it is the icing on the cake.

Chapter Seven is a call to all to serve and build our country, Nigeria. Here, the chapter presents a strong exhortation against anyone being part and parcel of insurgency. The author, through the omnipresent narrator, cautions pupils and students against violent extremism and terrorism, the need to be faithful, loyal, and honest, and to serve Nigeria with all their strength. The Chapter makes it explicitly clear that a pledge is a pledge, so the National Pledge is like an oath that every Nigerian takes to Nigeria.

The last chapter of the book is captioned “Last Words.” This is a narration of how Providence can connect people and why no pupil or student should take anyone or anything for granted. There are no coincidences in life; everything happens for a reason, and every thought and action has its own reaction and consequences. “You must shun all forms of mediocrity, sluggishness, and dishonesty and embrace patience, discipline, and excellence in your entire endeavor, my dear child,” wrote the omnipresent narrator who is Buratai. This book’s unique style and characteristic are that the author wrote it as though General Buratai were speaking to young students. You will assume that the General is speaking to you as you read the book.

The book has epigraphs before each chapter and four questions at the conclusion of every chapter. Another thing that is unique about the book is the beautiful artwork spread inside the book to captivate schoolchildren.

The book concludes with a glossary of all the vital words in the book. This is carefully put together to teach anyone who cares to improve his or her lexicon. I strongly recommend this book to every young Nigerian as well as adult who enjoys reading refreshing pieces of art.

The reviewer of this book, The Legend of Buratai, Moses A. Uyang is the author of the book The Trek as well as some other online articles and poems. He has a degree in English and Literature in English from The Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Nairobi, Kenya. He also holds a Diploma in Religious Studies from Marist International University College, Nairobi, Kenya. He is a humanitarian worker.

Date for the book review is scheduled for 22 November 2022 while the venue is at Silverbird Gallerias Abuja.