The Peaceful Fulani Settlement

It was a traditional Fulani settlement occupied by people who lived together in unity and genuine affection.

Anyone who observed the way they shared their lives, supported one another and protected their community would immediately admire them.

The settlement was governed by Alhaji Abu, who served as its Ardo, or traditional Fulani leader.

Alhaji Abu and His Family

Alhaji Abu was married to a woman named Hajjo.

However, most people called her Mulasa because of the extraordinary length and thickness of her hair.

Allah blessed the couple with two children: a son named Sada and his younger sister, Saratu.

Although Saratu was her official name, almost nobody in the entire settlement used it.

How Saratu Became Known as Sodangi

Everyone called the young girl Sodangi.

The unusual name came from the grand celebration organised on the day she was born.

The naming ceremony was so large that people from almost five different Fulani settlements attended.

Because her birth brought many relatives and communities together, people began calling her Sodangi, and the name remained with her as she grew older.

Sodangi Was Intelligent Beyond Her Age

Sodangi was only about thirteen years old.

However, her physical appearance made her look closer to fifteen.

She was also remarkably intelligent, observant and quick to understand situations.

Her maturity distinguished her from many other children of her age and made her especially precious to her parents.

Sodangi’s Parents Loved Their Children Deeply

Alhaji Abu and Hajjo loved Sada and Sodangi intensely.

The couple had waited for many years before they were blessed with children.

Because parenthood had come late for them, they placed all the love in their hearts upon their son and daughter.

They could not tolerate seeing either child harmed or treated unfairly.

Their concern was particularly strong whenever the matter involved Sodangi.

They protected her carefully and tried to provide everything she needed.

Alhaji Abu’s Younger Brother

Alhaji Abu had only one younger brother, Audu.

Audu was married to a woman named Lailu, and together they had five children.

Unlike Alhaji Abu and Hajjo, Audu and his wife experienced no delay before having children.

Their family continued growing without the difficulties Alhaji Abu had faced earlier in his marriage.

Baffa Audu Became Jealous of Sodangi

Baffa Audu was the kind of man who constantly interfered in matters that did not concern him.

He paid too much attention to how other people lived and what they possessed.

He became particularly interested in Sodangi and Sada because of the exceptional love their parents showed them.

Whenever a modern or valuable item appeared anywhere in the settlement, the first people likely to possess it were Alhaji Abu’s children.

This deeply irritated Audu.

He disliked the affection, comfort and attention Sodangi received from her parents.

Gradually, his jealousy developed into serious hatred for the young girl.

Nothing Sodangi Did Pleased Her Uncle

Whenever Sodangi did anything in Baffa Audu’s presence, he immediately found fault with it.

No matter how properly she behaved, he acted as though she had done something wrong.

She could never satisfy him or receive his approval.

As a result, Sodangi became uncomfortable whenever he was nearby.

She avoided behaving freely in his presence and often remained at the side of the gathering, quiet and withdrawn.

Although she was naturally intelligent and confident, her uncle’s hostility made her cautious and uneasy.

Jealousy Threatens a Peaceful Family

What began as Baffa Audu’s unnecessary interest in his brother’s family gradually transformed into resentment.

He could not accept the special position Sodangi occupied in her parents’ hearts.

Instead of sharing in the family’s happiness, he allowed jealousy to control the way he treated an innocent young girl.

Sodangi had done nothing to deserve his hatred, yet she was already learning to fear him.

Read Sodangi Book One Complete Hausa Novel

The opening of Sodangi Book One Complete Hausa Novel introduces a united Fulani settlement and a loving family whose peace may soon be threatened by jealousy.

Sodangi is a clever and mature young girl who receives extraordinary love from parents who waited many years before having children.

Her uncle, Baffa Audu, resents the affection and comfort she enjoys and begins treating her with unexplained hostility.

Continue reading to discover how Baffa Audu’s hatred will affect Sodangi, whether her parents will notice his behaviour and what challenges await the beloved daughter of the Ardo.

Explore more complete Hausa novels, Fulani family stories, village dramas and English translations on this website.