The first time in my life I did something independent and beyond my age was when a serious issue arose in our compound, nearly involving the police. That day compelled me to step out and take responsibility, earning me respect to this day.
We had a neighbor with land very close to our own land and there was no demarcation, who claimed our land was part of hers, insisting we cease all activities on the demarcated areas. My brother and his wife had been engaging in serious arguments with her, disrupting the community's peace.
One particular day, the woman arrived with workers to cultivate on the land she claimed belonged to her, the issue was prolonged to the point where police involvement seemed possible. Due to my work commitments, I hadn't been around to fully understand the situation. However, witnessing the escalating conflict that day, I felt compelled to intervene.
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Despite my efforts to negotiate peace, the woman remained adamant, demanding payment for the land or automatic stop of activity. On the other hand, my brother refused any payment and insisted on police involvement. I sought the presence of the person who sold the land to him as a witness, but he was dead, and other witnesses refused to show up without invitation with drinks.
The land in question was not large enough to accommodate even a small local kitchen. I couldn't understand why my brother insisted on fighting over such a small piece of land with the woman.
Understanding the woman's ultimatum—pay for the small space or leave it to me—I felt compelled to act fast for the sake of peace. I asked about the price she was willing to sell the space for. She mentioned 100,000 naira, but upon inspecting the piece, it was clear it wasn't worth that amount. I informed my brother in our dialect that I would cover part of the payment for him, urging him to negotiate with the woman peacefully.
At first, he refused to the idea but later agreed after I explained that without evidence of ownership, the woman would likely win wherever he went. After negotiations, the woman agreed to accept 80,000 naira, and I pledged to contribute 40,000 naira to support my brother, ensuring peace in the neighborhood.
Taking that step to address the issue, I felt a great sense of independence and matured knowing I was able to handle the matter at the end making me feel older than my age. The woman was asked to bring her family members as witnesses on a convenient day, and the cash was handed over to them.
Having peacefully resolved the matter, I gained confidence in my ability to tackle difficult situations independently or handle matters beyond. Land disputes in Nigeria are typically resolved by elders, witnesses and family members if there is need for them to be present, but being able to resolve it amicably was a significant achievement which remains something my brother is still proud of me till date and make instances with it when the need arises for him to do so.