Busted in Yola

Busted in Yola!

Did Kris warn us not to take pictures of any government facilities? Yes. Did I know that the marketplace was a government facility? I don’t think so. But now I do, since I was busted this morning and hauled off to the police station to apologize for my transgression. Here are the facts, to the best of my recollection:

This morning, we decided to take a trip to the market, which is housed within what we would call a gated community. Anari, our driver, had to pay a small fee when we entered. What I didn’t know was that, if you want to take pictures, you are to let the official marketplace men know that when you enter. My troubles started as we were about to leave. Drew and I had arrived before the rest (being typical men shoppers) so I decided to snap a couple of pictures from the viewpoint of our van. Soon thereafter a nice gentleman in a white dashiki arrives and asks me if there is a problem—since I am taking pictures. I assure that there is not, that I am just a tourist. “No problem,” he says.

Five minutes later, when the women arrive with our faithful driver, Anari is confronted by three more gentlemen in dashikis and a policeman in uniform is called over. After a heated discussion, the police officer strolls over and admonishes me for taking pictures without permission. I ask if I should delete them, but he says no. Instead, we are to accompany him with our van to the police station on the other side of the market. When we arrive, Anari and I are accompanied inside by the police officer. After more discussion in Hausa with the officer in charge, I am lectured on making sure I get permission first the next time I want to take pictures in the market. I apologize several times, agree to the terms and we are free to go. I do not need to delete my pictures. Once again, the customary response: “No problem” or ba kome.

I have learned my lesson, and one other one from Anari: The next time I am asked what I am up to, I should tell the officer that I am a missionary, not a tourist. They get a lot more respect!

John, the scoff-law, Becker