At a certain spot at Gbagir, Ukum Local Government Area (LGA), a group of young people danced to music by the African Church. They were “dancing for Emmiwuks into 2026.” The time was 12:53 pm. when the TNT crew hit Gbagir, the headquarters of Ityuluv Council Ward. It was on December 30, 2025.
In July last year, Emmanuel Myam, a.k.a. Emmiwuks, embarked on a bicycle journey from Lagos, Nigeria (NIG2USA) to the United States of America. Giving insight into why the adventure, Emmiwuks stated that “The journey is about raising awareness and support for vulnerable orphan children and internally displaced persons (IDPs) kids who’ve lost their homes, families, and safety due to conflict and crisis in Nigeria and across Africa.”
Why is Emmiwuks concerned? This question prompted TNT to visit his place of birth. Of course, Ukum is one of the flashpoints of insecurity in Benue State. Perhaps not all parts of the yams-rich LGA are affected. Therefore, it was safe to assume that he may not have experienced conflict.
From Marba to the world
Emmiwuks is the son of Orhena Solomon Myam Dambee of Ityuluv, Mbasagher, Udam/Mbaamu, Ukum LGA, Benue State, Nigeria.
Although there had been skirmishes in his place of birth, the events of the first quarter of 2023 would see the locals running out of their homes for the sake of their lives. It is learnt that sometimes, in March 2023, armed herdsmen struck at Marba, leaving in their trail dead bodies, injuries, and ashes, with permanent structures brought to rubble.
His father’s household is displaced. So also, his father’s kinsmen’s. As if that was not enough, in 2025, it was the turn of his Council Ward headquarters, Gbagir, to fall under the hand of armed herdsmen so that those who fled Marba and took refuge at Gbagir were further driven farther from home.
“Rather than be broken by these deadly attacks, Emmiwuks has shown uncommon courage by embarking on this journey to raise awareness about the plight of children who are orphaned due to violent crises,” Engr. Reuben Akpaaku, one of his uncles, told TNT.
From July last year, when the Ukum-born embarked on his latest adventure, he has crossed 12 international borders. Last Monday, corresponding to DAY181 of NIG2USA ON A BICYCLE, Emmiwuks announced that he “made it to Nauadhibou,” Mauritania.
The following day, he announced the end of “phase one” of his journey, as against his target of making it to Morocco, the last gate out of Africa, before taking a long break.
“Before I left Nigeria, my Schengen and USA visas were not ready. I left with only my Nigerian passport and 5k naira in my account, believing I could process everything along the way. I tried to secure residency permits in Guinea and Senegal to make that possible, but all efforts failed. I don’t have influence, and there has been no government backing.
“Now, my USA visa interview is scheduled for 29th January in Lagos, Nigeria, and my Schengen interview is also in January, in Nigeria.
“Realistically, instead of pushing further and risking my health, I’ve decided that it may be wiser to park the bicycle here and begin my journey back to Nigeria, maybe with buses, so I don’t miss these critical appointments,” Emmiwuks explained.
From the account by Engr. Akpaaku, Emmiwuks, while not an orphan, is conscious about his environment and is empathetic to others. He is focused and “always good to go.”
Engr. Akpaaku, who has been in touch with Emmiwuks, said he has been praying for him and offering words of encouragement to keep pedalling forward toward his goal.
Little wonder, when Emmiwuks announced plans to embark on the journey to the point of eventual commencement, he did not listen to calls from some of his friends and followers who asked him to abandon the adventure.
The journey from NIG2USA on a bicycle is not Emmiwuks’ first adventure. In 2023, after being displaced from his parents’ home, Emmiwuks rode a bicycle from Benue State to Lagos to meet his idol, David Adeleke a.k.a Davido. Though he arrived in Lagos after cycling for 15 days, he never met Davido, who offered him US$100 to “turn around,” an offer Emmiwuks rejected.
The mood in Gbagir
Until the 2025 attack, Gbagir had been a bustling semi-urban centre with a viable economy. But for the few basic schools, senior schools, and health centres, the people are predominantly crop and tree farmers. Their cash crops include yams, rice, citrus, groundnuts, sorghum, and cassava.
Now, though, things have changed. The inhabitants are displaced and are only recently gradually returning home. Upon our arrival at Gbagir, we sought direction and were led to a commander of the Benue State Civil Protection Guards (BNSCPG) in the area, Mr Terhemen Atuur. They didn’t just do that, as we were later told that our planned destination was deserted.
We met Mr Atuur in a group of other young people who were dancing to the music from the African Church. The excitement was unmistakable.
“We are dancing for Emmiwuks,” the commander said after exchanging pleasantries. He said they were happy because “something good can come out of Ityuluv.”
According to Mr. Atuur, the birth place of Emmiwuks, “has been sacked by herdsmen. This is one of the reasons he is travelling to the US.”
He went on to say that “We are praying for him, and our prayer is that he will see Trump and give him graphic details of the difficult times we are going through in the hands of herdsmen.”
“Over a thousand Fulani fighters came to this town,” Mr Atuur told TNT while referring to the day Gbagir fell to a herdsmen attack.
Emmiwuks’ father
Orhena Solomon Myam (SO Myam), Emmiwuks’ father, would not answer press interviews. He is displaced. As someone who depends on farming for livelihood, life is no longer the same.
From our phone conversation, SO Myam cannot compromise. His good wishes are with his son. That suffices.
Phase 2 of NIG2USA commences in February
Emmiwuks has indicated that he would commence phase 2 of his adventure in February this year.
“Once I get back to Nigeria, I plan to attend my visa interviews, treat my health properly, rest, and recover.
And by February 2026, God willing, we will commence Phase Two of this journey, stronger, wiser, and better prepared,” he wrote on his verified Meta account.
Call for assistance
The adventurer needs assistance with certain items he requires on his journey.
“At this point, I humbly ask for your support.
“I need recommendation letters, referrals, calls, and guidance to ensure my visa process is fair and smooth. I also need financial support to return to Nigeria.
“This is not the end. This is a pause, a necessary one. If and when I start the journey back to Nigeria, I’ll take you through every step honestly, just like I’ve done from Day One.
“Thank you for standing with me. Thank you for believing. May God bless every single one of you,” he stated.
