In an economic situation were graduates wait for years before earning a living. The hope of searching for other alternatives shows up. Some youths have made the outlets of newspaper vendors their permanent residence where political issues can be discussed, some engaged in all sort of illegal activities like drug pushing, child trafficking, robbery and many more. Crime has turned out to be the major business of each day as police records hundreds of illegal actions in the state.

Schen state, a state and city once known as centre of trade and entrepreneurship, where every occupant of the city is gifted with one talent or the other. A city once free from all sort of crimes and illegal actions. Graduates were able to get job instantly because government had made plans for that. Schen was rated the state with the best economy in 1988 by the world news station not until the state started facing crisis which started from the period the then president, kingston Pamena was overthrown through a military coup d'e tat in 1993 led by Major General Ashwab Genal who then became the military head of state. The state till date has been under the influence of the men in khaki who distabilised the peace and took away the franchise of the citizens of Schen. Western countries has tried to come to the rescue but were forced by military personnel.

Back then in University of Schen were trio brilliant friends Kuma, Stans and Greg. The trio studied petroleum engineering in the univeristy and graduated with a first class in 1993, with a fulfiled hope of getting an already provided job by the government led by Kingston Pamena. Truly, they were gainfully employed but not for long. Everyone working under the Kingston led administration were sacked by the ruling Major General Ashwab Genal including Kuma and friends. The hope of becoming a successful petroleum engineer started crippling.

Kuma Delma a 27 years old indigene of Schen state, Ohame local government area of the state, graduated from the University of Schen in 1993. Born into a family of four which includes Mr Delma, Mrs Delma, Kuma and Alans. Kuma's wish is to become a petroleum engineer right from secondary school because he had interest in things that has to do with drilling of the soil. Mr Delma, a retired soldier, sourcing for every means to cater for the need of the family ever since General Ashwab came into power. Mrs Delma, a petty trader, engaged in sale of petty commodities in other to assist the husband sustain the family. Alans the baby and last child in the family, 18 years of age,just graduated from secondary school and also aspirating to gain admission into the University of Schen to study chemical engineering since he has interest in testing chemical resources.

Ever since kuma was sacked from working with the government, everything had changed negatively. A young and vibrant youth of those days became a political thug who always discuss and argue on political issues at every newspaper vendors' shop. He became very popular as a lot of people nick named him political analyst of Schen city. Thoughts came to his regarding the next step to take in life because he can't end up like this.

Carried away in deep thinking, while the two eyes were opened, kumas father shouted his name continuously but didn't answer until he was tapped hard. Suddenly he became conscious again and a conversation ensued between the two. ' Kuma, have been watching you for days, you no longer eat and everytime you are always sitted at this same spot thinking and thinking, what is wrong with you?' Said kuma's father. ' At age 27 father, no job for me to earn a living with, its you and mummy that have been carrying the responsibilities of a graduate. Am tired father!' Kuma said. ' You don't need to be tired, don't allow your present situation weigh you down. There is always time for everything. As per responsibilities, myself and your mother are not complaining, so put yourself together and let's find solution instead of sitting down here and eating yourself up with thinking' said kumas father. ' Thank you for the encouragement father, I promise to gather myself together and find solution' kuma said. Both hugged emotionally in tears.

Sitted on a wooden chair and thinking about life experience, kuma started weeping about how his present status has made him lazy and unfruitful. Suddenly he vividly remembered Jerry de gun who was released from prison few years back and they met eat other again where they both needed to exchange numbers. ' He is now rich, famous and popular, imagine the dull and irresponsible jerry of then, now cruising in different form of cars, what a life!' He thought to himself. Few minutes later, another thought popped into his mind ' but kuma, can't you call to visit Jerry de gun if he can even help out or show you how he made his money!!! Hmmmm! That is a good idea, I need to call him. Enough is enough! I must also make it' he concluded in his heart as he picked up his phone to contact Jerry de gun.


Jerry de gun, leader of the gang, a student of University of Schen who has got himself engaged in different form of illegal actions. While in the university, he was raided by the police and sentenced to life imprisonment but was bailed out in months time due to the solid connections he had. Jerry de gun had been rusticated for years but still came back on campus to continue his normal lifestyle since no one dared to look at him facially. Jerry de gun has always been a fan of kuma as he was interested in initiating the brilliant and talented young man into his gang. Kuma resisted every form of call, meeting arrangement coming from the leader. Kuma prefers to sleep in his friends apartment to pass away time as the search for him became tightened up. Finally, Jerry de gun was apprehended by the police but this time he was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment with hard labour.

Griririririri! Gririririri! The gun shot kept coming as kuma led a gang of robbers to loot a bank. ' Your heads down! Where's the bank manager' shouted kuma. A nervous cashier shouted ' the manager's office is by your right'. The manager was gripped with fear as he led the robbers to the strong room of the bank. ' If you all like, call the police, we will be waiting outside for them' said another gang member. The robbery was very fast and action filled. With kuma carrying a Russia kalashika Ak 47 which has the ability to keep on dispensing bullets till the round is exhausted. Another gang member was carrying an America machine gun while a self propeller was placed at the top of the jeep they came with. As they carted away the huge sum of money, customers, bankers and eye witness started weeping and making urgent calls.

The robbery would have been a success if they weren't barricaded by the military. Their third turning was a brain burster as they met one on one with the Schen army who were fully prepared for a shooting combat with the armed robbers. It was a battle of the fittest as the America machine gun was released and started to dispense the content in it. Houses and civilians were affected by the huge bullets coming out of the gun. The robbers took to different strategic positions to make sure they don't get hit likewise the army. The army also responded to their gunshots with an m4 rifle and bazooka which brought down the one of kuma's men. With great annoyance, kuma ran up to the self propeller gun at the top of the jeep and shot sporadically at the armored vehicle of the army leaving two soldiers dead instantly. At this point, the army felt they were loosing and decided to use a snipper gun to bring down the robbers. Kuma was given an hand shot as others died during the shoot out. Kuma was arrested while others were taken to the mortuary. Immediately Jerry de gun heard the news, he flew out of the state in search of safety as Schen wasn't safe for him to stay.

Arraigned before a judge, the defense and soliciting council were told to argue out and present proves of the dreadful armed robbery attack led by kuma. After perusing the documents presented before Justice Mnah Asigbe, he gave his judgement. ' Having heard from the defence and soliciting council who has tried to put reasons together, this is a big disgrace to our state, the fact that you were sacked from working with government, doesn't mean you should engage in illegal actions and robbery. You should have tried to be more creative as thousands of youths are making it through their respective handworks. My judgement is, Mr kuma Delma be killed through a firing squad till he gives up the ghost'. ' Arise' the court clerk shouted. With deep regret, kumas parents started weeping alongside his brother with his friends who came around when they heard about what happened to him.

The day came, it was time for kuma to be killed by a firing squad. Escorted by a black-maria and a soldier patrol van from the Abnes prison and taken to the bank of Egnes lagoon where criminals were been shot by the always ready regimental soldiers. Tied to a long pole, people gathered around to watch the killing of the notorious armed robber who shot dead two soldiers during a robbery attack. His parents and friends from a distance, weeping bitterly and shouting. Here comes the regimental soldeirs with their Russia Ak 47 rifle. Having around their heads, helmet attached with a piece of leaf and screaming dramatically. They got to their point of target and stood combatantly towards the direction of kuma. A pastor walked up to kuma and prayed for him and also asked if he had something to say. Kuma then flashed back to that day he made the misleading decision of his life in Jerry de guns mansion.

In a massively built mansion, painted in white colour, fully fenced with barbed wire, secured by giant imported dogs. The first view about this mansion is the ownership of the house. One would have thought the mansion belongs to one political office holder or official. The garage is filled with expensive and tempting cars of latest technology and designs. Is that all? No! The lovely swimming pool, gym centre and relaxation centre for people to meriment. The roofing looked like that of the power house of United State of America. ' Who do you seek' asked a tall and huge security. Then kuma knew he was out of the world previously and now back to the real world again. ' I came to see my friend Jerry de gun, we went to the same university and he told me to come and see him today' said kuma. Jerry de gun was contacted and he told the huge bouncer to step his friend in. Jerry sitted in a big and extended sitting sitting room filled with lovely sofa chairs and expensive illumination provider. Pleasantaries were exchanged as both had seen each other for long. Kuma began to narrate his hardship story and seeked for Jerrys' support. ' Realy don't have much to offer you and not sure if you can participate in what I engage in' said Jerry de gun. ' I don't mind whatever it may be I just want to earn money and build a massive mansion like yours and also have expensive cars. My parents have tried for me and I want them to also enjoy the fruit of their labour' kuma concluded. Hmmmm! Jerry sighed as he continues ' have heard everything you said, my occupation is quite known and don't know what your reaction will be like. I command a gang of robbers' Jerry uttered. In deep fear and shock, kuma couldn't say anything because he was scared of the reply to give. While thinking about what Jerry de gun said, he received a call from his father ' hello kuma' said kuma's father, ' hello daddy' replied kuma', ' your mother just had an accident and broke her two hands and one leg, she is presently in the hospital and the doctor said I should get a deposit of ¥1,000,000 before any operation can be carried out. Presently I don't know who to meet. Just wanted you to know so you can start coming home'. Kumas father said and hanged up the call. Tears became unstoppable for kuma. Jerry asked what was wrong which he narrated with tears in his eyes. This was how kuma got initiated and also engaged in robbery.

Days later, the head of state visited hospitals around to visit those who needed financial assistance for one medical treatment or the other. Mrs Delma was among the benefactors who enjoyed the financial assitance given by the general. With immediate effect, treatment started and she was operated. When kuma heard his mother was operated and now okay, it was too late for him to back out as he had already joined the clan of armed robbery.

At exactly 11am in the morning, kuma made his last statement ' to youths out there who believes in waiting for government to provide a job for them to earn a living, please don't wait again, start something handy to do. Don't ever allow your situation to take control of you just like mine did, had I known that this was how it's going to turn out to be, I woudn't have gone into it. But now its too late to start regreting my actions. To my loving parents, brother and friends, don't cry again because I brought this pain upon myself. I pray you all forgive me for my actions' kuma concluded as he closes his eyes. The next voice was the one of the commanding officer ' Attention! Weapons check! Go down flat! Aim at target'. The croud started weeping in great regrets as a talent of his nature will be wasted just like that. No amount of consolation could be done to the crying Mr and Mrs Delma and Alans. ' Fire' the commander gave his last order. With full courage, the soldiers shot at him till he stopped breathing. The commander confirmed that he was truly dead. The body was buried close to the lagoon just like the constitution had stated. This realy serve as a lesson to youths who don't have the spirit of waiting patiently when they face challenges. Kuma's story should teach everyone not to always give excuses for mistakes instead profer solutions to it.