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peeled

iamloyalty:
Abeg my guy nor stop update o!else he go red o! Gud job

lol! red eye no fit light up cigarette o! Okpolo eye no be open eye o! one love dear!

blackberlin:
@domawoleye. . . my anger for you is doing press up o! I dey wait for update since. . . which kind wicked person you be sef. . . Abeg jare. . . UPDATE!!!@!!

Bros howdy? You just de para any how! lol! i no wicked o, na brain work nah! you sabi as e de be nah! one love. Thanks for commenting. God bless your hustle!

mhiz:
Nice work domawoleye. Nice work as usual, thumbs up bro

Thanks Mhiz! One love.

olanshile2016:
nice one sir

Thanks Ola.Cheers!

omobs:
nice one Mr Dom,more ink to ur pen

Thanks a bunch Omobs! One love!

yusufibrahim:
Oga DOMAWOLEYE this is great keep them coming I can't wat for multiple update from u sir...... More grace to u
#respect

Thanks Yusuf. I appreciate your encouragement so far. God bless you. Please note that this is a SHORT STORY and will soon end. It may become boring if extended unnecessarily.
Cheers!

STATE CID ENUGU-INTERROGATION ROOM

Dagger and Vicious are cuffed together on their wrists and they sat side by side on the floor of the dimly lit room. Their bodies are stained with their blood. Their faces have been reshaped into something amoebic. Swollen lips and swollen eyes, their noses have doubled in size and on their heads are several lumps with blood stained cuts. They could not cry anymore, tears were no longer dropping from their eyes. They could only grunt and nod their heads.

You bloody criminals are being economical with the truth! Look! I will burn you again with this pressing Iron o! The interrogator, a man that looks just like Wesley Snipes except that he has a very conspicuous K leg.

They say he had the K leg in the line of Duty. His right leg was broken into shreds by the bullets of some Militants that they had gone to arrest in the creeks of Degema. The leg was to be amputated at the National Orthopaedic Hospital but he had escaped from the hospital at night and ran to his Village at Omagwa Nike for a traditional treatment. The Herbalist did a good job on his leg.

Constable Ubani pulled out the hot Iron from the wall socket and threatened to burn the boys with it.

Oga please sir! Please sir! We have told you everything sir! Dagger managed to talk through his mouth and nose, the front of his mouth is devoid of teeth and every word came out like a whistle sound. Our former leader is the one that caused the whole problem; he lives at the railway quarters along Ogui road sir. I know his house. He was beaten by the boy in the hospital in a one on one fight and that was why we went to hit the boy and his brother, in fact it was him that shot and them.

Good! Good! Said the interrogator. What is his name?

We call him Egbe ‘the Kite’ sir! I don’t know his real name sir. But every one calls him Egbe and he is a final year accountancy student. Dagger whistled.

Can you guys see where you have landed your selves now? You are small boys of barely twenty years old. Your parent sent you to study and become important people in life but you chose to be criminals! You turned yourselves into murders and armed robbers in the name of cultism. You may not have committed any felony yet but being a member of a secret cult automatically makes you a wanted person any a’ persona non grata’ in public places! Your place is in the prisons! You will be charged to court for aiding and abating of a murder and an attempt to commit murder at the hospital. You will each get at least thirty years in jail with hard labour. By the time you are out of jail, civilization would have left you behind. All the so called Jew men on campus today that are your mates would be fathers and owners of businesses by then.

Chai! Oga please nah! Oga but you said that you would leave us if we cooperate nah! Oga we cooperated nah! Please sir! Dagger cried and pleaded while Vicious was shaking his head from side to side. He could not open his eyes or his mouth because they were swollen beyond their limits.

It is because of your cooperation that you will get thirty years nah! Constable Ubani said. Your sentence would have been fifty years!

Chai! Chai! Dagger whistled. Oga please nah! We won’t follow cultism again o! Please sir! Dagger begged




UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA TEACHING HOSPITAL ENUGU

It is now a month and two weeks that Kumalo has been hospitalized and chained to the hospital bed. He wondered who must have been paying his hospital bills, he thought it could be the police if not why would they keep him under surveillance? Or could it be part of the hospital’s corporate social responsibilities? He is being rotated between different wards on a daily basis since after the visit of the Hawks men.

Kumalo knew he was no longer safe at the hospital, he had told detective Peter to take him to another hospital but he was told that the police can only use a teaching hospital because of its government affiliation but promised to ensure that security around the hospital is improved upon.

Kumalo does not trust the Police; he knew there could be Hawks men that are members of the police force. Kumalo started thinking. He was very sure now that his mother must be dead or down with a sickness that would not allow her to come and see him in Enugu. Detective Peter had lied to him that his mother was doing well when he went for Jumbo’s burial, he had asked the detective the cause of the bandages he wore but he said he had an accident while he was in warri. He had asked Peter of those that buried his brother and Peter had said it is the community youth. He knew Peter was hiding something from him, he had attended so many funerals of the Egbesu members and he know how it is done so he expected so many questions from Peter but they were not forth coming.

How were you able to meet my People? Did you introduce your self to my people? Did you tell them about my where about? Kumalo had asked Peter.
No! I simply went to represent you there; I dressed like one of the youths so no one noticed me, and no! I did not introduce my self nor did I tell any one of your where about! Peter affirmed.

So what did they say about me? Kumalo asked.

Nothing much! Peter said. Please let’s talk of something else, how is your injury? Are you still feeling the stomach pains?

Was there a time they started chanting Igbokigbo! Igbokigbo? Kumalo asked.

Jeez! Peter screamed and ran out of the ward. Kumalo laughed out loud and had to suppress the laughter due to the pain in the stomach. He knew what Peter was hiding.

Kumalo had noticed over time that only one police personnel is detailed to the hospital on Sundays. He had also noticed that the guard resumes after 12.00PM and closes at 10.00PM. He had planned his escape to be on a Sunday so on Saturday evening he had dodged a mini surgical scissors from the tray the nurse brought to dress his wound. He had raised the bed sheet and dug the scissors into the mattress.

At 12 midnight on Sunday, the hospital was quiet as those that could sleep were asleep already. The maternity ward never sleeps. There is always a woman in labour. Kumalo has heard a lot of nonsense said by women in labour shouting on top of their voices. Some had made him laugh while some had mage him sober. Some women pray for God’s assistance during the labour crisis while others rain curses upon the man that put them in that condition and his family members.

Kumalo pulled out the mini scissors and used the pointed edge to uncouple the cuffs on his leg. The cuff gave way and fell to the ground, it made a noise and Kumalo quickly lay back down and pretended to be asleep. When no one entered the ward after five minutes, he knew no one was on guard.

Kumalo indeed used to have his own set of hand cuffs when he was still in the kidnapping game at Warri. He got up and limped to the door, he opened it and saw a deserted corridor so he stepped out; he had a cramp on his legs so he went back into the ward and stamped his feet severally on the ground.

The corridor was deserted as he stepped out again but he could here voices at the far end where the receptionists are, and that is the only exit route. Instead of going forward he turned backwards and started opening the doors of other wards. He opened a door that a patient was fast asleep; he saw some clothes folded on a table close to the bed side of the patient so he tip toed in and closed the door.

He pulled off his hospital clothes and wore the blue jeans trousers and while T shirt on the table. There was something in the pocket of the jeans, he brought out a thick wallet and in it is minty wad of one thousand naira notes. His heart beat skipped. He made a quick sign of the cross as he pockets the wallet; there was a belt in the trouser so he buckled it up even though the waist of the owner is bigger than his by five inches, the belt helped.

He heard foot steps on the corridor and sounds of doors being opened and closed. The sound got closer, a nurse was going round! He thought. The nurse must have opened his door and seen an empty bed. He knew an alarmed would be raised at any moment so he quickly opened the door and jumped outside.

This young man! Where were you? The nurse asked as he came out of a room and saw Okemutie on the corridor.

Okemutie squatted down and started crawling on all fours. The nurse was shocked.

Young man! Stand up! Are you okay? He went to lift Okemutie up. Kumalo allowed the man to pull him up quietly and when he was upright, he took a cursory look at the man’s face smiling as he did so, then he took a quick step backwards.

You must be Goliath! Kumalo said, pointing at the nurse. Can I snap a photograph with you? He asked the perplexed nurse still smiling.

The man took some steps away from Kumalo while Kumalo took same number of steps forward calling

Goliath! Goliath!

When they got to Kumalo’s ward, the Nurse opened the door and pointed inside. Kumalo slowly walked inside smiling and jabbing in the air
David kills Golaith! Goliath kills David! Kumalo was saying as he moved slowly towards the bed. The nurse followed him into the room and closed the door; he dropped his tray on a table and brought out a syringe and needle. He fixed the needle on the syringe while Kumalo climbed on the bed and squatted facing the nurse and smiling. The nurse inserted the needle into a medicine bottle and extracted its contents, his back was turned to Kumalo but as he turned to face Kumalo it was too late.

Kumalo sprang into the air from his squatted position on the bed; the spring in the mattress helped him to spring up into the air. The nurse saw him mid aid and opened his mouth to scream but the sound was muffled by the blow to the side of his head close to his eyes. He was knocked out cold and he slumped to the floor. Kumalo quickly retrieved the injection that fell on the floor and injected the nurse on the neck. He pulled off the nurse’s shoes and wore them. It fitted. He opened the door and ran through the corridor and out of the hospital.

The receptionist saw someone run past but was too preoccupied attending to patients on emergency that just came into the hospital that night.
Kumalo kept jogging until he got to Okpara Avenue before stopping to catch his breath; he pulled up the T shirt to see if he was bleeding. The bandage was stained with blood but not flowing heavily. It must have been due to the way he constricted himself mid air to deal the nurse that deadly blow that silenced him. The nurse would not recover in a hurry; it depends on how long the sedative he had prepared for Kumalo would last.
He brought out the wallet in his pocket and counted fifty four crispy one thousand naira notes. He searched further and brought out the Identity and business card of the states commissioner for police. Phew! He blew. From frying pan to fire! He exclaimed. He needs to be in Warri fast! He needs to see his mother. Either she is dead or alive.

OFF CAMPUS-BEER PARLOUR

Members of the Egbesu cult met for a round table discussion at Brifina Guest house along Abakaliki road close to IMT campus 2. Assorted hot drinks and different brands of cigarette were displayed on the tables. As they discuss, they exhaled thick smoke into the atmosphere to further deplete the earth’s ozone layer.

They were dressed casually except for the leader Jato who wore a white beret of a white T shirt and red jeans trousers. His left fingers are adorned with mysterious rings made from animal skin sewn together with black tread. Even the bangles he wore look diabolically strange.
He poured the content of the black label in front of him into a glass cup and gulped down the content. He closed his eyes and shook his head as he allowed the content to go down his throat.

Yes! Una welcome once again! Amici!

Amici! They replied.

It is four days now that we have been in Enugu combing the city for information. Each group has presented their findings to me and I have summarized everything so that we now have a plan to execute.
Number one! Okemutie is alive! He is receiving treatment at UNTH. He is under Police surveillance and every visitor is being frisked and interrogated by the police before seeing him.

Two out of three students that went to visit him two days ago were arrested and suspected to be on a mission to rescue him.
The man ‘o’ war girl Emilia has being very helpful. Rukewe in getting down with her seriously and the relationship has been fruitful. She told Rukewe that the Hawks are the guys that hit Kumalo and Jumbo. She has given him the names and pictures of some of the members of the Hawks including those that are members of the man ‘o’ war. Well done so far Rukewe, but I hope this babe would not make you forget why we are here? Because the rate you are grooving the city with this girl it’s like you never see yellow babe before!

The men all laughed and hailed Rukewe.

But Bros Jato, how you take know nah? One of the boys asked.

Imagine Rukewe to tell me say he want to write Poly jamb again so that he go come school for IMT! Rukewe wey no finish secondary school! No be for SS2 dem expel am for Don Domingos?

The men laughed heartily.

Bros forget that thing o! Rukewe said; I get my WAEC result o! I don write WAEC as external candidate and the result pure die!

Na lie! Jato shouted; you mean am?

Yes nah bros! Some one else offered; na me and Rukewe write WAEC for the same school as external candidates for that year! Na for Saint Michaels we write am and our two results pure die!

As as how nah! Jato protested; una know book? See una eyes! How una result take dey pure?

Bros forget that thing o! Who no go, no go know o! Rukewe said.

Na true! Na true! The Boss said; yes! As I was saying, the police that arrested those boys at UNTH accused them of being Egbesu boys who have come to scatter the campus to avenge the death of Jumbo. This means that the police are aware of our presence in this town!

But how nah? Rukewe protested. How police take sabi nah? Dem be winch?

Never under estimate the efficiency of the Nigerian police if they are ready to work! The Boss said
Meanwhile we now have a list of those that hit our brothers. Jumbo is dead and Kumalo is hospitalized. We shall work on the list to know the homes and departments of the lords of the Hawks, we need to know when they are meeting on Campus, and we will weigh options and know the right time to strike. At least five of them must kpai! Including one from the man ‘o’ war!

We shall leave only three men here while the rest of us will return home. Rukewe! Sampson and pastor! You guys will remain here and do a clean job of hitting those guys. Rukewe, I put you in charge here! He pulled out a bangle from his wrist. Take this and wear it when you are in charge, you must not wear it in my presence and when you return to Warri, don’t wear it until you see me and hand it over, do you understand me?

Yes Boss! I know the drill. There can’t be two captains in a ship! Rukewe said as he pockets the band.

Good! The rest of us will go home and give Kumalo’s mother, our mother a befitting burial according to our Urhobo tradition. We will hand over the corps to the family tomorrow for proper burial.

Look Rukewe! Don’t forget you are to leave this town immediately after the operation! Don’t be carried away by the man ‘o’ war girl o!

I know boss! But I fit invite her come Waffi nah! Rukewe stated.

No! Let everything that happened in Enugu remain in Enugu! Boss stated and stood up to use the convenience.

Idiot boy! Why you want invite her come Waffi? What of your babe for Warri? Pastor asked.

I go code her nah! I fit keep her for your bunk! Rukewe said.

Idiot! See your head! Wetin i go tell my own babe? Pastor asked.

You go tell her say na you sister nah! Rukewe said.

Na now I sabi say you don de kolo! You don see any person wey yellow for my family? How I want to take explain the girl complexion? Pastor asked.
You go say na your mama family! Rukewe said.

My mama family people black pass my papa family! Pastor said and the party stared laughing and puffing.

Jato returned from the convenience
So na Igbo girl you dey trip for now? He asked Rukewe.

Boss! This girl sweet die! She dey scatter my head like say I never see woman before! Bros the girl body be like Angel own!

Idiot! You don see Angel body before? Pastor countered.

Well, I trust you sha and that is why I am putting you in charge of the operation here. If not, na you I for first depot. But I know say you rugged and you get sense. But if you Bleep up? I go treat your Bleep up wella!

So my men! We will split up as we leave town tomorrow, we would leave in batches of two and board different vehicles to Warri. We will all meet at Richard’s Barbing saloon at 6.00PM tomorrow evening.

Correct boss! You be the master planner! Rukewe teased.

Commot for there Kewe! Stupid boy! Pastor teased him as he fills his glass from the bottle of hot drink in front of him and gulps down the content. He started using the glass to tap on the bottle rhythmically, others soon joined and Rukewe started to sale.

My mama tell me say! He sang
Iyoo! Tell me say iyoo! The chorus


CHAPTER 6

NKUTU- UME CAMPUS 3

GUYS! Yawa don gas o! Stanley was addressing his Hench men. They are seated inside a Shop smoking cigarettes. The mood was pensive.

It is still like a dream to me! It was like those guys were expecting us! We went to the hospital reception together and I pretended like I was a patient while Vicious and Dagger went to the receptionist to ask for Kumalo’s ward. The lady directed them to the room and while they were on their way, she quickly picked the phone and made a call. Before you know it four plain clothes police men brandishing pistols storm the reception hall and the lady pointed towards the corridor that our men took. They said we are Egbesu Boys or something and they have been expecting them. They did not even allow the boys to talk as they started beating and mal handling them. They took the boys upstairs to Kumalo’s room to ask if he knew them, but of course he wouldn’t know them, it will only confirm his fear that we are not done with him yet!
Stanley threw away a cigarette stud and lit another one. So they brought our boys back in hand cuffs kicking them out of the hospital into a stand by police Van! Stanley summarized.

And all this while you were there our men did not implicate you? Emeka the number four man asked.

No! They did not even look at my face and I am grateful for that! Stanley said. Thank God that they did not implicate me because I had my bulldog with me!

Haba Stan! Emeka exclaimed. Old boy! Hell would have been let loose o!
So what do we do now?

Naturally they would be taken to the station for interrogation. If they are not released after twenty four hours, it means there is serious trouble which may lead to a court case! Stanley explained. None of us can go there to see them except an elderly person that can pass for their guardian or parent.

Then let us contact Mr Alozie, the HOD of statistics department. He is an XY. He can go there as a guardian to one of them. Emeka further suggested.

He is actually related to Dagger for real. He initiated Dagger himself during one of the end of year parties we held in his house three years ago. Stanley explained.

You mean am? Emeka asked.

Then that settles it! Another Hench man offered. Let’s go and tell him what has happened before things get out of hand. But Guy you get luck o! If to say those guys nab you with your dog ehn?

I know! No remind me again I beg! Stanley snapped. Meanwhile who don see Egbe?

Ol boy, no body don see that guy o! its like he dey dodge us. Emeka said.

Leave am! If I catch am eh? I go kpai am myself! He cause kasala keep for ground, he come disappear! Stanley said.



CAMPUS 3 BUS PARK

The park is busy with students boarding and alighting from shuttle busses and taxi cabs. The bus conductors are shouting the names of their destinations to attract passengers.

Abakpa! Abakpa!

Obiagwu! Obiagwu!

New haven! New Haven!

Campus 2! Campus 2!

The list is endless, as most of the students live off campus. Students rush into the buses going along their way while some are still waiting for their destination to be called, others are waiting for the school bus to arrive, having bought two way tickets from Campus 2.

Former Lord Egbe alights from inside a shuttle bus with a big size Bible in one hand and a white handkerchief in another hand, he chose a vantage spot opposite the bust stop pavilion and he began to preach.

Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand! The soul that sinneth, shall die! He shouted.
The Bible says and I quote ‘ come to me all ye that labour and are heavy laddened and I will give you rest’!
What does it profit a man to gain the world and loose his own soul in hell? I was formally in the world but now I am saved! Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me! I once was blind but now I see! Was weak but now I am strong! Glory to Lord God almighty! Glory halleluiah!

He preached on while the students listened, those that knew him came together to gossip, making faces and gesticulating frantically. They did not know what to believe because two months ago when the revered Reverend Father Mbaka had come to the schools mini stadium to preach on cult renunciation and many students had come out to denounce cultism, Egbe was not one of them, in fact some hawks men would have gone out to confess their sins and repent on that day but for the fear of Egbe and Stanley that were present at the sermon. If either of the duo had gone out, many cultist would have gone out too because in the real sense of the word, most cultist are living in bondage.

They have no real freedom, they are living in fear of their own lords who are very dangerous, they are perpetually indebted to the cult because they pay semester dues and so many unexpected dues that keeps them perpetually broke, they live in fear of other cultist, they live in fear of the man ‘o’ war, they live in fear of the school authority and they live in fear of the police.

When ever there is an emergency on campus and the Police and Army joint tax force patrol team storms the school, all hard men are afraid, afraid of the unknown, they take cover when no one is looking for them, fear of the unknown.

The Buccaneers run for cover, the scamper, the Burkinafasso change their positions, the Juris men vanish like smoke, the Vikings regulates, the Blood brothers diffuse into thin air, the Campus pirates turn to chameleons, the Eiye boys fly away, the Ku Klux Klan extinguish their flames, the Mafites turns under cover. The sinner, they say, runs when no man chase him. When the JTF might have gone, they will then come out from their various cocoons to ask the so called Jew men questions. Na wetin those police dey find sef? Na who dem carry? Them arrest any one?

The Jew men stayed but the hard men ran. When the tyre of a car accidentally bursts in the school premises, the Jew men turn to see what the matter is while the hard men run for cover, clear conscience fears no accusation!

Many of them are being expelled and jailed daily. Many of them are being lured into nefarious activities by the lords. Like Armed robbery, Political thugs and burglary. Many of them never bargained for what they eventually are faced with once they got themselves initiated, and there is no going back because of the oath of allegiance and secrecy taken. The only way out is death.

Some cultists have lost their hearing as a result of injury during the initiation, many have indelible scars on their bodies thus they cannot take off their clothes in public or in the presence of their relatives. Many have died and were buried at the initiation grounds and their parent still wonder when they would return from school. Many have been rusticated from school but cannot go back home so they loaf about in the city constituting nuisance to humanity. Many intelligent boys could not combine academic activities with cultism and because cultism takes preference in their school life they go down academically and ended up graduating with a pass or a third class result which is as good as useless in the country. Many have come to realize that cultism cannot help them in any way, rather it compounds their problems but it is too late to cry when the head is off. Many cultists would have repented for good and followed Christ on that day when Reverend Father Mbaka came to preach but they were afraid of what men like Egbe, Stanley, Danladi, Paschal and Maxwell would do to them.

And today Egbe stand in public and preached the gospel. The smoke from the gun he used to kill Jumbo is still swiveling in the air.

STATE CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DEPARTMENT HQ
ENUGU

Detectives Peter and Sandra were in the office of former ASP now SP Sunday Onche. He finally got his promotion after proving to the Police that he is mentally stable and physically competent to carry on with the police job for his mates have been Superintendents three years before now, he was in a good spirit and resplendent in his new uniform of blue and black. He also has an office to himself now.

Peter had narrated what went down at Warri to the SP and briefed him of the imminent danger facing the city by the entrance of ten members of the dreaded Egbesu cult.

Oga! Those guys were cutting and shooting at one another and nothing happened! They were just chanting Igbokigbo! Igbokigbo, and jumping about. It was like an evil spirit entered them all, sir! I was lucky o! I was not expecting the turn of events at all else i would not be in their midst at that time! Peter explained: what if they had shot at me thinking i was one of them?

Then you would have been dead meat boy! SP said: you are an undercover cop and in your line of duty, anything can happen. But thank God you are safe and healthy!

Oga! I am safe but not healthy! My back is gone! My shoulders are finished! The cuts are very deep! Each cut was stitched twelve times. If not that I am a police officer, I would have been rejected at the hospital. Peter explained.

Which means you could have bled to death? SP asked.

Oga! You are not even feeling sorry for me! Peter challenged.

No sir! Sorry for what? That’s the job you have chosen as a career so you should accept whatever befalls you in good spirit! SP said. Meanwhile I have had my own fair share of misfortune in the line of duty.

Oga! You mean you have scars on your body as a result of the job too? Sandra asked.

Hmm! Peter! Have you guys ever wondered about the where about of my family? At least I should have a family at my age nah! Not so? He asked.
Of course your family is abroad nah! We all know that! Peter said.

SP shook his head sadly from side to side and stood up from his seat. He pockets his hands in his trousers side pockets as he paced about the room.

I was undercover at Akure eight years ago to bust a cartel farming and distributing Marijuana. I infiltrated the cartel and became one of them. The marijuana business in that part of the country was very organized. They had farms in the deepest part of the forest that people don’t venture into. It was another world in those farms. There are houses for the labourers and their families at the plantations. They are well paid and taken care of. The rules at the farms were very strict and must not be broken. The Barons were small gods! They were revered by the workers and these barons were so ruthless that they kill workers at will and bury them at the farm. The security network at the farms is likened to that of a maximum security prison. We had such farms at Akure, Ifon and Owo communities.

The Barons were high chiefs and traditional rulers in their respective climes. But I bust them after three years of working for them. I was as discreet as I could be or so I had thought. I succeeded. I was rewarded with a promotion and I was redeployed to Gusau in the north for another under cover job on smuggling between Nigeria and Niger boarders. Two months going at Gusau. I was invited to Lagos to be briefed that my wife, my four kids, my house help and my two Alsatian dogs were slaughtered over night. A note was pasted on the door of my house claiming that the attack was from Akure drug farms!

Jeez! Sandra screamed.

Peter was speechless, his jaw simply dropped.

So my guy! SP continued, that is the path we have chosen to follow. I was told I lost my mind and ran mad. I was hospitalized at the psychiatric hospital for two full years. I spent one year at rehabilitation before returning to the police three years ago. It’s been over six years now but I still look forward to waking from the night mare. How can I just loose my beautiful wife of fifteen years like that? My first son was in his third year at the Nigerian military school zaria, my second child was at Air force military school while the last two were at staff school UNILAG because my wife was a lecturer there!

I am so sorry sir! Jeez! My gawd! Ha Oga! May I sit down please? Peter asked.

Why? Sit down if you wish! SP said.

Peter and Sandra sat down and Sandra started to sob.

Sir! Your family was wiped out in the course of your job and you still remained on the job? Peter asked.

Yes! They are the only family I have left. The police took care of me when I was sick. I was given the best medical attention until I regained sanity. Even my family members and in-laws abandoned me for madness. The police alone did not desert me. My in-laws blamed me and my job for the death of their daughter and grand children. I had kept my family with my wife safe in Lagos while I was moving around with the job. I never knew that just when we think we are safest, we are actually most vulnerable!

It is six years altogether now, Sandra said; sir, do you have any plans to start a new family?

So that they will be wiped off again? SP snapped

Haba! Oga no nah! That was six years ago nah, you need to move on, Sandra persisted. You cannot say because you fell from a horse you would not climb the horse again nah!

My dear! Fall pass fall! You see this fall ehn? I am not going to re climb the Horse. SP said; enough about me now! Let’s get back to where we were. Where were we?

Sandra and Peter jumped up to their feet.

Peter! From what you have said, there is red alert in town now! Isn’t it? SP asked.

Yes sir! The Egbesu boys must be located and arrested before they reach Okemutie!

And how do you plan to achieve that? SP asked.

We have been to the Edo line motor park! Sandra continued; we found out that they had arrived town in two station wagon cars while a third car was driven by the one of them who we suspect to be the leader of the cult. They chartered two cabs to the IMT campus two. We went there and tried to look for clues but no head way yet.

We also went to Okemutie’s class to know his close friends, especially those from Delta state. We are keeping tab on three of them in case the Egbesu makes contact with any of them. Peter said.

Do the students know where Okemutie is at now? SP asked

That, I cannot be affirmative! But none of them have visited the hospital yet Sandra said.

Okay! Continue to nose around for clues. Meanwhile what about the boys that attacked Okemutie? Have you arrested them yet? SP asked
Not yet sir! Okemutie only knows the face of the one he fought with, he also gave us a name ‘Stanley’ as being called at the scene of the crime when he was pretending to be dead. His information cannot help us much for now but we will build on it. Peter said.

And you said the boy is not a cultist! SP said.

He claims he is not a campus cultist but acknowledges being a member of the Egbesu back home and I have confirmed that to be true. Peter said.
And which is worse? SP asked.

Ha! Oga!

SP started to laugh. I am joking boy! I know a lot about the Egbesu than you do. Okay. Em, we are at a cross road here, the scenario is dicey. Do you know the name of the confraternity that attacked the boy?

Not exactly sir! But we have narrowed it down to either of the Black Panther or the hawks. Sandra said.

And why these two? SP asked

Our internal source told us sir! Peter said.

And who and what is your internal source? SP asked.

We are sorry sir! That is our ‘joker’ for now! Sandra said.

Okay! I respect that! SP said. Now get back to work and close up all these gaps in your case. Let’s clear up this mess now before it forms a big shit! You are dismissed!

Sandra and Peter saluted and left the office.




CHAPTER 5

UGUAJI FOREST-MID NIGHT

Initiation ceremony; members of the hawks confraternity are dancing around a burn fire on a cleared platform in the middle of the forest, they are surrounded by tress and shrubs and below the elevated plateau is a running stream. The stream must be crossed before accessing the plateau upon which is the shrine in the wilderness, the initiation ground.

Sentries are strategically position from the beginning of the forest entrance to the bank of the stream. The sentries are armed with bull dogs or a 7 and a torch light. The number 7 is the code for a portable axe. The sentries are replaced hourly to avoid anyone falling asleep on duty.
The sentries hide within shrubs or they climb up a tree so as to be hidden from those approaching the wilderness but they can see anyone approaching in the dark. Once an approaching person is about ten yards to the sentries position he lets out the cry ‘who goes there’? The person approaching must reply ‘Ahoy’! Else the bulldog will bark. And when the bulldog barks, somebody go die! That is how it works. Any anomaly observed by the sentry must be reported quickly to the initiation ground lord for immediate regulation.

Four new civilians were lying blind folded on the floor of the ground. They wore only boxers and their bodies glistered in the dark reflecting the ray from the burning fire. The men were in a jolly mood dancing and chanting.

If you sabi dance o!
Hayaya!
Make you dance am well o!
Hayaya!
If you sabi hammer!
Hayaya!
Make you hammer well o!
Hayaya!
If you sabi kosa!
Hayaya!
Make you kosa well o!
Hayaya!
Because anything you be o!
Na your own!
Anything you be o!
Na your own!
If you like be axeman!
Na your own!
If you like be bucket!
Na your own!
If you like be 2.2!
Na your own!
If you like be eiye!
Na you own!

Stanley was leading the sale and his boys were taking the chorus. After several songs, Stanley came to the center of the circle and called the forum to order.

Hawks of the sky! He chanted
Higher! Higher! Higher! The chorus
Hawks of the sky! He shouted
Higher! Higher! Higher! The chorus

Yes! You are welcome to another night of jolly and tinini! As you can see, we are growing! We have four new rats to tinini tonight!
He started a short song

We are going higher day by day!
The hawks are going higher day by day why not join us!

We are going higher day by day!
The hawks are going higher day by day why not join us! The chorus.

Where is Egbe please? Stanley asked. I can’t see him here tonight, it is already 2.00AM.

The men looked among themselves

He is not here me lordy! Someone said

Egbe is not here tonight? Stanley asked no one in particular

Maybe he is sick! Another person said.

Sick of what? Stanley asked. We were together at Nkutu ume this evening. Well, that is by the way!

Egbe has bleeped up again o! We went for a hit to eliminate those Jew men that disgraced him weeks ago! It was his responsibility to silence the guys especially the one that beat him up but after shooting at the guys, the younger brother died instantly but the main guy was still breathing but bleeding profusely. I told Egbe to finish the guy off with his bulldog or using 7 to chop off his head but he insisted he wanted the guy to die a slow and painful death! I tell am say all did na die! He no gree! He brushed the guy severally on the head and we left the guy to die in the pool of his blood! It was his call, not mine! So I had to follow his decision. Now the guy did not die! He is currently receiving treatment under police surveillance at the UNTH.
The Police and the man’o’war will be after us now. Is vicious here! He suddenly asked. Vicious, the man ‘o’ war! Come forward.

Me Lordy! Vicious answered and stepped into the center.

Vicious, what is the man ‘o’ war saying about this issue at hand.

Vicious; real name Henry Edozie is an ND 2 mass communication student. He is nineteen years old and an only child. His father is the commissioner for works in Ebonyin state.

Our presido said it is a case of two cults clash. He said four men died. The two brothers and two unknown soldiers. He also said that that the clash is between us the BP. Vicious said.

Which kind nonsense talk be that? Stanley asked. Where did your preside get that kind of information from?
I don’t know me lordy! Vicious answered.

It’s a lie! He is giving you guys’ false information because he does not trust you. That guy is a war veteran so we must be wary of him. I am sure he told you guys to report any suspicious thing or people to him abi? Stanley asked.

Exactly me lordy!

We need to move in on the guy at UNTH! We need to finish him off! He knows Egbe facially and can be used by the police to hunt us. And I can remember that stupid Egbe calling my real name instead of my bush name at the scene. Egbe is not here tonight! He is supposed to be here! He is supposed to follow us for the UNTH mission this morning.

Meanwhile, vicious and Dagger will accompany me to UNTH in the morning. We will go with food flasks as if we are his friends. Once we see him face to face, we will silence him with the pillow or any other weapon within reach in the hospital. I will have my bulldog with me just in case things get out of hand. Dagger where you dey? Stanley called out.

A lanky fellow came out with his black trousers, black T shirt and blue beret.

Me lordy! He greeted.

Are you good to go? Stanley asked him.

I am ever gallant! Me lordy! He replied bouncing on his feet.

I trust you Dagger! You no de slack! Stanley commended

Where is the ground Lord? Stanley asked.

I de here o! I dey arrange wood for the fire! Some one answered from behind the circle of men. He came forward with a bundle of sticks which he dumped into the burning fire.

Ngwa! Ngwa! Take care of these rats! Stanley said and left the circle center to light up a wrap of igbo.

Scatter is the ground lord. He is in charge of the initiation of new entrants and the general preparation of the wilderness prior to any meeting like tonight’s.
He went and kicked the first body lying blind folded on the ground.

Stand up! He commanded,

The young man stood up

Wetin be your name? Scatter asked

Paschal! The young man answered

Who bring you come here? He asked

No body sir! Paschal replied.

So na only you waka come? Scatter asked

Yes sir!

You dey lie! Scatter said slapping him across the face

Paschal fell over but quickly got up and stood backing Scatter

Turn around! Scatter commanded.

What is your full name?

Pascal Alozie sir!

Where are you from?

I am from Nkwere in Imo state sir! Paschal was shaking fearfully.

So why do you want to fly with us? Scatter asked

I love your people and their swag on campus! They are the most powerful and I also like your colour! I have been toasted by other runs but I prefer the hawks! Paschal said.

Una hear am? Scatter asked out loud. He said he preferred the Hawks!

The men in the circle clapped for paschal whistling and making cat cries.

Oya rugged this man! Rugged this man! Scatter commanded as he jumped out of the circle himself.

The circle of men closed in on Paschal with fresh canes cut from the forest tress in their hands .They flogged him all over his bare body. Paschal screamed in pain, he tried to run but was kicked back into the circle; he fell to the ground rolling as canes rained on him severally until the floggers became tired and their canes had been reduced to mere short sticks. However two men were positioned to ensure the new initiate does not fall into the fire. The remaining rats were given similar treatment with fresh canes already cut in the evening and piled up by the river bank by the ground lord. They were later given the oath of allegiance and secrecy and welcomed to the fold by every member present. They were thought how to claw and greet a fellow Hawk. The next morning, the new recruits were made to fly their beret on clean shaven head and walk round the school premises together. Who no go, no go know!

peeled

yusufibrahim:
Oga DOMAWOLEYE u no call me say u Don start this story anyways am here already...... Nice one boss keep it coming more grace to u

Bros no vex i beg. Thanks as always.

He does not trust me sir! Emem said. He does not tell me anything and whatever I tell him, he does not show interest!
Solomon! What do you have to say to that? ASP masked.
Nothing sir! Solomon blurted after two minutes of trying to say something reasonable.
Good! Detective Solomon, report yourself to the guard room immediately! You have been wasting the lean resources of the Nigerian Police! Look at yourself! See the girl you were supposed to team up with! Instead of working together you were busy trying to sleep with her, meanwhile she was doing your job and hers together! I will make sure you refund all the allowances paid to you because you do not deserve it!
ASP collected the detectives badge from Solomon as he trudged out of the room.
Solomon will be drafted to Maiduguri I swear! He is an idiot! He will go and join the civilian JTF to fight Boko Haram terrorist there!
He shook hands with Emem; well done detective! I am very proud of you! I will get you another partner from the college, not a he goat like Solomon! My regards to Mr. MTN, you are dismissed!
Thank you sir! Emem saluted and left the control room.



CAMPUS 2
MAN ‘O’ WAR OFFICE

The president of the school’s internal security team, the Man ‘o’ War is a serving Soldier who is on a five years study leave. He is a Sergeant in the Nigerian Army Infantry corps. He had gone for three United Nations and Ecomog sponsored military operations in Liberia, Sierra Lean and Somalia. He had to seek for a study leave in order to elongate his life span because it seemed he was destined for dangerous operations. His plan was to leave the Military upon graduation from school and secure a civil job. The other members of the Man ‘o’ war team are civilian students who joined the organization for varying reasons.

Pascal is the Vice president of the Association. He is a coded member and a Lord of the Black Panthers confraternity. He is very smart and as cunning as the fox.

Kofi is the PRO of the association, he is a Ghanaian and as dark as they come, he is very blunt and strict and could smell out the bad guy in a crowd. He is the most respected and feared by the students because he does not compromise like other members who would easily look the other way when a crime is being perpetrated as long as the palm has been greased.

Emilia is a beautiful shapely girl in her mid twenties who likes to wear her Man ‘o’ war uniform every day. It makes her feel good because her curves are very conspicuous in the tight green khaki. She has slept with half of the male lectures in the school in order to get good grades because she is not always in class for lectures or assignments; she belonged to the non academic student’s category. She is the most visible Man ‘o’ war member on campus and the least respected. She is the welfare officer of the team.

The remaining members of the Man ‘o’ war are coded members of the various confraternities on campus. The only clean member is Kofi. Even the president is careful about issues concerning cultism. He says to himself that he did not die in the military operations he had participated in so he cannot afford to allow some miscreant civilians to put a bullet hole in his head on campus so he tries to act as a mediator when ever there is a cult clash. He prays daily for protection and guidance until the day he graduates from the school.
Sergeant Afolabi Mattew aka ‘Presido’ was briefing his team of twenty seven students inside the Man ‘o’ war conference hall.

Man o war! We! He called
Wa! The chorus
We! He called
Wa! The chorus!

Gentlemen, there is going to be trouble again o! We got information that two cult groups clashed three nights ago leading to the death of four students who live off campus! Two of them are brothers belonging to rival cults. Information has it that the brothers shot themselves. The other two died in action. We need to shine our eyes very well because they will definitely bring the fight into the campus! Exams are approaching and we all want to graduate in peace! Abi who no want to graduate here?

No one answered.

Please call me immediately you notice any suspicious person or group of persons. Remember, don’t act like a hero! I am the only one licensed to carry a gun here so don’t risk your lives. Kofi! Please we need you now as usual. Strange guys will start coming into our campus as mercenaries so please watch out for them.

Preside does not know that twenty five of his team members have different types of locally made pistols in their possession.




CHAPTER 3
CAMPUS 3 NKUTU-UME

The relaxation spot of the school’s second campus located at Independence layout Enugu.
About thirty shops built in a U shape with a large field at the centre for parking. Each shop sells beverages, snacks and stationery and are always filled up with students. Only non alcoholic beverages were allowed by the school authority to be sold there. Alcohol is only sold at the Staff Canteen at Campus 2. The shops have extended canopies used as sit-outs by customers. These sit-outs are also used as meeting points for students of common interest.

Today, five Hench men of the Black Panthers Confraternity meet. Headed by Ugochukwu Wali ‘The Don’ Ugo is rivers state born from the Ikwere tribe. He is popularly called ‘Danladi’ because of his proficiency in speaking the hausa language and having lived there for some years. Danladi was formally a student union president at the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria but was rusticated because of student union activities. He had spear headed a revolt by the student due to poor hostel facilities. The revolt resulted in massive destruction of school properties.

He later got admission into the Bayero University Kano and started all over but was ran off in his third year because he was wanted as the man that set BUK on fire which led to the death of three students and five police men. He had gotten probation at the end of his second year in his new school because records showed that he did not write many of his examinations. Ugochukwu actually wrote his examinations and did all his tests, but he just joined the school politics and had started spreading his radical views among the students. The student’s level of awareness was on the increase and they have started campaigning on having Ugo as the new student union president.

When all efforts by Ugo to get his real result failed, he knew he was being set up and it was time for him to leave the northern schools so on his last night in Kano the Administrative block of the school was engulfed in an inferno that razed it down. Some students and security personnel were trapped and killed in the rubble. All fingers pointed at Ugo and he had to run out of Kano.
Danladi came down to the east to start afresh at the Institute of Management and Technology IMT. He did not want to be involved in school politics so he joined the Black Panthers and maintained a low profile.

During the political transmission of 2006 and 2007 when the apex government was trying to secure a third term in office, he was among the body guards used by politicians for protection and to unleash mayhem on rivals. His ability to speak the three major languages in Nigeria endeared him to the politicians and he made a lot of money recruiting thugs for them. Eventually his Chairman won the elections and he settled all the bad boys without rancour. On his resumption for his HND program he came as a very big boy and was unanimously made the Don of the Panthers. Danladi has been able to keep the Panthers out of trouble since he became the Don and he desired to do so until he graduates. He spends his money to help the broke guys in his fold and lends them money too. He has four buses that shuttle between Campus 2 and 3 conveying students and remitting weekly returns to him. He is in HND 1 Accountancy, he lives off campus and drives a clean Toyota Camry 2.0 1998 model.

He is seated with four other Lords including Pascal the Man ‘o’ war VP.
Pascal was talking;

Amici! he called out on a low tone
Amici! others replied

Guys! There is problem o! The information we have is that there is a cult clash between us and the Hawks which has led to the death of four students including the so called Kumalo and his brother plus two unknown soldiers!

Haba! Danladi exclaimed. But we are not at war with any one nah! Who dey spread this rumour? Now the police and the Man ‘o’ war will be on out trail, which kind nonsense be dis nah?

We need to meet in the wilderness quickly to inform our Soldiers of this development and warn them to stir out of any trouble! They should be mindful of what they do or say hence forth! Kevwe said. Kevwe is the second man of the Panther, he is the Capone.

We all know that the Hawk is responsible for the hit, not after that guy humiliated Egbe! But who is bringing us in? Kevwe asked aloud.
I think it is better we leave our soldiers out of it for now! Danladi suggested. Let keep it with the Lords for now. The less they know, the better for them, we know those of them to carry along. I will go to the Police officers mess and talk to one or two persons. I need to set the records straight to avoid massive arrest of our soldiers and us too. The police need to know where to look and not to go on random sampling which will affect so many innocent people. The Hawks hit those guys and by so doing, they should bear the consequence! I don’t want anything to happen to me or any of my men.

The owner of the shop came and asked what the students wanted to eat or drink.

Give us meat pie and Fayrouz! Danladi said.

Why una no dey sell beer here sef? Kevwe asked.

The owner laughed; na una school policy nah! He said as he went for their order.

Well, me I dey with a small bottle of Goskolus for my pocket o! Kevwe said as he brought out a flat transparent bottle containing locally distilled gin. He placed it on the table and covered it with an exercise book. It will be fun to mix this with the fayrouz he said.

Correct guy! Correct guy! Others commended.

So what do we do now? Asked Maxwell, the number three man who has being quiet all the while but had been busy scanning the environment for any suspicious moves. He is the ‘Slaughter’ of the Panther and the chief ‘hit man’. He is the son of the school’s registrar.

He has nine deaths to his credit and still counting. Maxwell single handily ended an ensuing Cult clash rampage when he was in ND 2 by inviting the heads of the warring factions for a peace talk at a Hotel at Achara Layout. The four heads are yet to return till date and that ended the war then. He is easily the deadliest on Campus. He seldom talks and so he is unpredictable, he does not drink nor smoke and he does not have a girl friend. Even Danladi does not pray to be in Maxwell’s black book.

Who do we need to take out? He asked again.

We are not taking any one out Max! Danladi cautioned. We only need to be vigilant.

But we are being framed here! Max persisted.

Yes! I think so too, Danladi said; but from my source, only Kumalo’s brother was killed, Kumalo is still missing in action. We need to reach Kumalo before any one does! The Police, the Man ‘o’ war and the Hawks will be looking for Kumalo now!

But how will those stupid wingless Hawks just kill a Jew man like that? A common Jew man! For their mind now dem don pull hit be that o! Who told them to install a weakling as Capone? He was talking to himself. Maxwell.

The shop owner brought their Order. Kevwe brought out the mixer. The shop owner saw it and feigns ignorance. It was better than some other unruly group that came to buy three sticks of cigarette and ended up mixing and smoking it with five parcels of Indian hemp publicly.





UNIVERSIT Y OF NIGERIA TEACHING HOSPITAL ENUGU

Detectives Peter and Sandra entered the building; they went to the receptionist desk and flashed their badges before making enquiries. They were directed to the office of the Chief Consultant.

The Chief consultant is a bespectacled old Lady in her sixties. Her face has multiple colours as a result of several years of rubbing make ups, some part of the face looked burnt, other areas are permanently coloured in red, green and black. She does no longer make up again as her face is permanently made giving her the most ferocious and funny look ever because she was always aggressive and angry.
The Detectives flashed their badges as they entered her office and introduced them selves and their mission.

You are different from the people that brought him here! She declared. And what do you want with him? She directed the question at Peter. Peter almost laughed at her face, it was like a hungry Fox chewing Kola nut. The colour of her teeth cannot be gotten in any colour brochure. Peter nodded at Sandra.

You are quite right Madam, Sandra offered; the patrol team that brought him here were on a routine job. They relayed their findings to our headquarters and HQ disseminated to every station. That is standard procedure. Now we are the detectives covering the institute of Management and technology and we have been assigned to take up the case ma! We have been on this for about two weeks now.

Hmm? The Consultant looked at the detectives again through the rim of her glasses. When she stared at Peter, he could not hold it any longer. He busts out laughing. And he excused himself from the office.

Sandra took thirty minutes to plead and pacify the Chief consultant. Eventually she collected and made photocopies of their police ID cards and their detective badges, she made several frantic phone calls before ushering them to the ward where Kumalo was admitted.

He was brought here almost dead two weeks ago by your patrol team at night. The young man was shot in the stomach, he was very lucky that no vital organ was damaged, just perforation of the intestines and the abdominal walls. He has survived! He is very strong willed. She explained to them on their way to the ward.

She opened the door to the ward and asked the nurse in the ward a few questions.

Kumalo was lying on his back. His abdomen was wrapped in bandages and there were bruises on the sides of his face. A pack of drip containing yellowish liquid hung above his head discharging its contents gradually into his body. His right ankle was cuffed to the metal beam of the metallic 6 by 6 inches bed.

I wonder why you people put that thing on his foot! Chief snapped.

It is standard procedure! Sandra said.

This annoyed the Chief and she became furious, she faced Peter to complain but peter pointed at Sandra and backed out to laugh some more.

Do you think he will run away in his condition? She asked Sandra; you could have one of your men stationed at the door of the ward to guard him instead of chaining him down like this! With this on his foot how do you expect him to turn around and change position? Don’t you know this will have an adverse effect on his body? Now Sandra saw why Peter was laughing but she pinched herself hard and she screamed out of pain so as to distract the woman.

What is wrong with you? Chief asked with concern.

It is cramps ma! Sandra said. I had a running stomach this morning, Sandra clutched at her stomach. I will be okay ma! She said. And ma, we do not have enough man power. We did not make the rules ma, we simply follow!

Like Zombies abi? Chief asked.

Yes ma! Like Zombie! Peter answered from behind as he joined them in the room.

You this silly detective! By the time i inject you with Amonia, you will have the laugh of your life! Silly boy! Please i will leave you now and you have just ten minutes to do what ever you want with him but note that this is a hospital and not a police station! If you do any how here, you will see any how!

Yes ma! Peter saluted.

The consultant left, peter pulled a spare seat and sat by the left side of the bed while Sandra went and stood y the right, she checked the cuff on Kumalo’s ankle to see if it was tight or loose.

Hello! I am detective Peter of the state CID and beside you is Sandra my partner. We are on top of your case and we hope you would be able to assist us. We need to catch up with the guys that did this to you and killed your brother.

Where is my brother’s body now? Kumalo asked

He is still at the mortuary, your people have been contacted and they will be coming for the corpse tomorrow. Peter said.

When will he be buried? Kumalo asked

We don’t know for now until your people arrive! Sandra offered

Kumalo started to cry painfully because his stomach wound was yet to heal.

Please don’t over work yourself! Peter advised. Everything will be okay. It is your own protection that is important to us now. Those that killed your brother will want to silence you at all cost since you were supposed to be dead too. Isn’t it? Peter asked.

Sir! Kumalo called through clenched teeth.

Yes? Peter answered.

If I should survive this attack ehn? Ha! Oga blood go flow o! Imagine they just killed Jumbo like say na fowl! Just because of two fighting o! Ha! Oga i be waffi boy o! My eyes don see tire oga!

Please take it easy Okemutie! Sandra said. That is why we are here! Please give us names! But first of all, are you one of them? I mean which cult doo you belong to?

I don’t belong to any cult here! Kumalo answered.

Do you belong to any cult any where? Peter asked.

I be Egbesu boy for home! That na normal runs for home. Jumbo and I are members! Oga! The thing wey this boys do so na big insult to Egbesu! It is better they vamoose from this earth before I well o!

Stop talking like that Okemutie! Do you realize we are police detectives? Sandra cautioned.

Na today? Kumalo asked. Which kind police detective? Where were you guys when we were shot? You never see the Nigerian police when ever you need them! He said

But the police saw you and brought you here nah? Sandra countered.

The police did not see me first else i would be dead by now! Kumalo corrected. It was a hunter that saw me! The man just left here now, he comes here daily to see me. The man told me that the police collected two thousand naira from him to fuel their Van before they brought me here. When i regained consciousness, i realized that all the money in my pocket, my wrist watch and my neck chain were not on me and the hospital said the police did not give them any of my belongings. Only my school ID card was left in my wallet, even the two pieces of gold circle condom that i always carried in my wallet was gone! Taken by your men!

Peter shook his head sadly. I am sorry Okemutie, please can you give me the address of the hunter that rescued you? We will need to meet with him.

I don’t know his number but you can get it from the nurses here, they have his contact detail. Kumalo said.
Okay! Now back to why we are here, kindly give us the full gist of what led to the attack on you and your younger brother!

The only thing that kept him alive was his hope for an opportunity to avenge the death of Jumbo his only sibling. He had persuaded his mother to allow Jumbo to come to Enugu to school so he could protect and fend for him. He could not keep his promise, Jumbo has been killed and he narrowly escaped instant death himself. He could recognize the voice of Egbe whom he had fought with in the Cafeteria, Egbe had called on a certain Stanley to confirm that they were actually dead. He knew they were about four that came for the hit but he heard the name Stanley being called and he recognized Egbe’s voice. He recollected Stanley saying ‘an eye for two eyes’! Rest in pieces the two of you! Next time you reincarnate, you will revere the Hawks of the sky! Stinking Jew men! Stanley had kicked him severally at the sides of his head before kicking dead jumbo to the floor.
How would he and his younger brother just die like that? He pondered in his agony. And what was his offence? Nothing! As long as he was concerned, it was a case of ‘two fighting’ an every day occurrence in Warri. Does it tantamount to a death sentence? If these Cultists were actually strong boys as they claim to be, why did they not challenge him to a duel? Why should they be killed? Did they kill anybody? His thoughts were running wild. He refused to close his eyes even though he was feeling very drowsy. He knew it was an easy way to die off and he was not ready to meet his maker now. He refused to die. He thought of his mother loosing two children at once. The father was murdered during the last Warri crisis. His corpse was among those conveyed with wheel barrows to the mass burial site at jakpa. He was recognised by his shoe. His father has only one shoe that he got from the white man he served as a cook in Chevron estate. The shoe is multi coloured and his mates used to refer to his father’s shoe as ‘rainbow shoe’ he wore the shoe every day for the last six years he spent before his painful death. The father was buried with the shoe among other corpses but the shoe resurrected after some days and became the property of ‘old soja’ a popular drunken retired soldier in Warri who had no family. No one dared accused old soja of robbing the dead because they were all afraid of the outcome. Old soja knows everything about everybody and was not afraid to say anything anywhere. But old soja does not talk anyhow, even when he is filled with alcohol he only vituperates about his escapades in the army.
Kumalo had taken to hawking and street hustling to support his mother who sells smoked fish at the front of their house at Otiotio Street. He graduated into small scale kidnapping of white men working with the oil companies and making good money from ransoms paid. When there were no more white men to kidnap, they resorted to collecting development fees from the companies resident in Warri and from any prospective builder. This continued until the state legislature prohibiting the collection of development fee was established. A special task force was set up to arrest youths that cause disturbance as a result of any company’s refusal to pay the ‘deve’ fee.
He then joined the oil pipe line vandals; this was the most profitable adventure he had ventured into but with a high inherent risk. He escaped three major pipe line explosions that claimed thousands of lives all together in the Niger-delta region of Nigeria. It was the last pipe line explosion at Ekpan that made Kumalo decides to leave Warri and go back to school, having been initially rusticated from the federal polytechnic Auchi for cult activities and kidnapping. They had kidnapped the son of a politician and were still waiting for the call for the collection of their ransom when their hide out was busted by the police SARS squad. They would have all gone for life jail if not that four sons of Edo and Delta state top politicians were members of his cult group, even the son of the Delta state commissioner of police was his closest friend and a fellow kidnapper too. They all spent six months awaiting trial at Asaba prison before they were all released.
He saw a ray of light and he jolted back to reality, he was angry with himself for actually falling asleep. The light was approaching slowly, it was not a car or a bike as the ray of light was darting about but slowly getting closer to where he crouched by the road. He pulled himself together; he got up and flung himself on the main road screaming with all his might. As he was falling, he felt all the remaining energy in him completely drained and he felt like a feather in the air. He saw the flash light advancing hurriedly towards him. He fell hitting his head on the coal tarred road. He passed out.




CHAPTER 2

STATE CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DEPARTMENT HQ
ENUGU: Assistant superintendent of police Sunday Onche was addressing a group of six under cover police men that works in the three major campuses of the higher institutions in the capital city.
There has been a red alert! It came in about 1.00AM this morning. A student of IMT was killed in his room, it was a BID case at the hospital, and an AK 47 riffle ripped his brains out of his skull! The student has an elder brother who is missing, but from homicide findings, the missing brother has wound also. The blood samples taken from the room belong to two people. It is either the brother is in a hospital somewhere or he is dead somewhere.
Detectives Peter Uche and Sandra Nwokocha! This is your bit! Collect all necessary information from the duty sergeant, Mr. Linus and commence action Asap!
Mission: Find the missing brother popularly called Kumalo and find the killers of the younger brother! You may leave us now! ASP commanded.
Yes sir! Peter saluted and left the control room
Sandra saluted and asked; sir! Are there any clues for us to start with sir?
Yes! He answered, collect all clues from the duty sergeant! You are dismissed!
Yes sir! She saluted and left.
ASP Sunday continued; Detectives Zakky and detective Maria! What is the update at the University of Nigeria Enugu campus? Any development with the car robbery gang?
Yes sir! Zakky stood up; we have closed in on a gang of three boys and two girls. The girls lure their sugar daddies into the campus and the boys strike. We are also narrowing on the buyer of the Cars from the boys!
Hopefully we shall close the case in a week sir! Mary added.
Good! Good! ASP Sunday clapped his hands. I love this! The commissioner will be very impressed with what you guys have done. Remember the AIG’s car was also snatched by those scoundrels.
Oga! Mary called; they have a ware house where stolen cars are kept at Uwani. They keep the cars there until all tension and agitations by the police have cooled off. The ware house is like a mechanic work shop in a market place where people go about their buying and selling businesses normally meanwhile the boys of the main buyer are busy working on disguising the stolen cars in the ware house.
Wow! Can you beat that? ASP Sunday said. Any clue as to who this or these buyers may be? He asked
Yes sir! Zakky answered. The cars are driven out of Enugu at night to Kano sir!
Kano! ASP exclaimed
Yes sir! Mary said; our guys at Kano are keeping tabs on the Alhaji sir!
Alhaji? Wow! This case is turning into an octopus o! ASP fumed. The Alhaji will also have a network of people to sell the cars to nah! ASP exclaimed.
Exactly sir! Zakky said. And that is why we need to be careful so as not to alert them and scuttle the whole ops!
Good! Good! Well done boys! I am very impressed! You are dismissed for today!
Detectives Zakky Abdulahi and Maria Oyebiyi saluted and left the office.
ASP turned to the last two detectives left in the control room.
Now! Detectives Solomon and Emem! How far with Enugu state university? He asked
The two detectives stare at each other, one expecting the other to speak.
Are you guys okay? I say what is the update at Esut and you are staring at each other! ASP barked.
Talk nah! Solomon told Emem.
You nko? Can’t you talk? Emem fired back
Are you People crazy or what? ASP shouted stamping his foot angrily on the floor. Solomon! Talk now before I change my mind!
Oga! I can’t work with this girl again o! Solomon said
And why is that? ASP asked
Oga! This girl is an Ashawo!
Na your mother be Ashawo! Emem fired back
Sir! She just dey wire all the boys for that campus! She has lost focus! Solomon continued.
What? Emem! You are wiring students! ASP shouted.
Sir! It is not like that o! It is because I refused to wire him o! He has been making advances at me since we teamed up together for this operation but I told him it is not good for the job.
So are you sleeping with any student? ASP asked
Yes sir! I have a student boy friend. He is a staff of MTN. He is not a small boy, he is older that me and we are in a relationship.
Did you explain that to Solomon? ASP asked.
Yes sir! He knows everything, he is just furious because i gave in to the guy after he had made several advances! Emem said.
Look! You guys should not allow personal issues to affect the job! Do you hear me? ASP asked.
Yes sir! The two answered.
Now! Concerning the prostitution racket at Esut, what is the update? He asked them.
Nothing yet sir! Solomon said, we are still looking for clues sir!
And you Emem! Same story? ASP asked.
No sir! She replied.
So what is your story? ASP asked.
There is a cartel of bad girls headed by one Chioma Nwokolo, aka Big Mama. She is a final year mass communication student and she recruits girls for local and international prostitution she works for an international human trafficker based in Lagos and Italy. Chioma is bi-sexual; she connects lesbians to lesbians and makes money from them in the form of commission. She supplies politicians, business men and heads of corporate bodies with assorted girls during social functions and she gets paid. She uses a Hummer jeep on campus and uses money as bait to get poor girls.
This Lady is also the out going leader of the Black brazier confraternity, a female cult group on Campus!
Wow! Wow! Wow! ASP Sunday whistled.
I was able to hack into her phone line where I got all the names of her contacts including text massages of bank alerts and indicting conversations. I was able to do this with the help of my MTN guy! Sir! Some of her clients would interest you!
You mean am! ASP asked.
I swear Oga! She replied. Well i have zeroed in on her totally but i am waiting for Lagos to close in on the big fish there before we close up this case!
ASP clapped his hands severally. Good girl! Good girl! My dear, your promotion is secured! Wow! Wow! You mean you single handled all these? Why did you not carry your partner along?

[quote author=uniquebee post=49664930]Beautiful. God bless you sir[/quote
Thank you so much

olanshile2016:
I finally finished this great art piece, Domawoleye, you did a great work sir,will surely read all your works

Thanks a lot. I appreciate u.

pemivy100:
Oga DOM this is a wonderful piece. I recommend it for everyone.

Thanks Temi God bless you

Solidkay:
Story well enjoyed and lessons well learnt.
God bless u.

Thanks for the encouragement. God bless you.

teamplayey:
Nice Story!
@ Oga Domawoloye: great job. You are blessed and highly favoured. (I hope I spelt your name appropriate). Cheers

Thanks for your time Team player. God bless you. One love!

missuniverse:
inspirational

As Usual

Thanks for sharing Dom...

Thanks my sister! One love!

Fijumokesayo:
Wow! God bless you Dominic for this wonderful work.

Jummy Jummy! Thanks for ur time. God bless!

Vickiey192:
It was really a touching story

Thank you V! one love!

yusufibrahim:
Wow u finally killed it,,,,,, it is so so so nice that I can't find a suitable word to describe it...... God bless u brother
Educational»»»»»»»»» check ☑
Emotional»»»»»»»»»»»check ☑
Entertainment»»»»»»»»»»»check ☑
Motivational»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» check ☑
Encouragement»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»check ☑
Action pack»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»««««»««««««☑
then wat else do u look for in a story everything is packed full in the right proportion...... More grace to u sir DOMAWOLEYE anticipating to see more of ur story pls if u start any other story anywhere pls always mention me and I will be there

Wow! All these for me? i am flattered my guy! Wahahi i am blushing inside! Thanks a lot for all your encouraging words from the beginning of the story. God bless you Yusuf! one love!

Phashion:
Wow this is great

Thanks a million Phashion! i appreciate!

Phashion:
Wow this is great

Thanks a million Phasion! i appreciate!

hebenz:
brilliant

Thanks a bunch Hebenz!

Alicapapaya:
Oga Dominic, God bless the works of your hands in Jesus Mighty name. Amen..... Wonderful story with high standard. Bravo I must say...

Alicapapaya! i love your name, the name matches your picture too. (laughs)
Thanks for your kind words. i really appreciate. One Love!

yeancahwunmi:
Very touching and impactful. I enjoyed every bit

Thanks a lot Wunmi. God bless you.

PamelB:
I enjoyed it bro. You're a wonderful writer.

Thanks PamelB
You write well too. One love!

sandalina(f), Alicapapaya(f), eboigbedavid1(m), Daeveed(m), gbishancomedian(m), Hollarbeece(f), leopayne(m), tohpahz(f), lionson(m), zeetyzin(m), Bobolayefa(m), bobnatlo, farouk0403(m), chistar01(m), AdiscoPele, kikayboss(m), femora007, phykel(m), obikiel(m), recruit4real, Godbest(m), Deejay1000(m), yusufibrahim(m), jimkramar(m), SunFlow(m), BobUg28(m), iamprotocol(m), horlawharley(m), mubarak001(m), Taduma1(f), Tbrak(f), mrtegation99(m), treyliz, Labu2013(m), oruchechuks(m), Despirado121(m), MozB(m), daveson07(m), ephi123(f), olanshile2016(m), Emmykul4love(m), MightyFortress, felipemadero(m), efe2nath, dupsai(f), Oyinprince(m), Brozo1, deeade(f), yomalex(m), Ayjos10(m), africangurl, Donpoker9(m), Harrychocoberry(m), admin7(m), Dyoungstar, Mariammi(f), bigx(m), harmlessphil(f), Yudeeaikay(f), fam24(f), prettyJoy22(f), drollster(m), sebak(f), Jeanfortune(f) RSAV, MATRYCX, DONWEASLEY,,MOZB, MHIZ ETC.

I thank every one of you Guys for the completion of this story. God bless you all. Your encouraging words went a long way in helping me find time to complete the work.
i am very sorry for the long break before completing the story. My hands were full. I just love the way we encourage each other on this platform.
i also like to thank Seun Osewa and the Admins for the wonderful works you guys are doing. i would love to send copies of my Published book 'Restless' to you guys. Please contact me lets discuss how to connect. i am a proud Author today and i owe it to naira land!

one love!
Awoleye Ayokunle Dominic

Ha! Oga do you know her? Dauda asked as he joined us at the table.
Yes I know her! I said as I sat down comfortably to eat my food.
Dupe so you know my Oga? Dauda asked.
Your Oga? She asked swallowing hard and drinking from the glass of water at her front.

Yes nah! He is the new Automation Engineer! Isn’t he cute? Dauda teased.
She nodded and rose up wit her tray of food
Ahan! Have you finished eating? Dauda asked her; or are we the ones chasing you away?
She shook her head as she walked briskly to dump her tray at the remnants table. She had lost her appetite.
Oga what did you do to her, Dauda teased me.
Hmm, it’s a very long story Dauda! But first thing first, what is she here? I asked
But I thought you said you knew her? Dauda asked.
Yes! That was several years ago! The last time I saw her should be about ten years ago when she just finished secondary school and I was in my third year in the same secondary school.
Ahan! Oga you mean she finished secondary school before you? Could she be older that you? Dauda asked.
I should be older than her with at least four years or so, but I did not start my secondary early. I was sixteen years old when I entered JSS 1. Guy! I have come a long way, but leave story for now and tell me about her.

Well, she works for a third party Labour provider. They are in charge of the sanitation of the brewery; they also carry out menial jobs in the brewery. She is a supervisor with the company.
So which section does she supervise? I asked.
The bottle sorting and washing section at the logistics department, Dauda said.
Okay thank you! I said.
I lost my appetite too. My mood became dampened. On one hand I was glad that Modupe had not done better than me in life, at least she would not intimidate me further. On the other hand, I was wondering at what could have befallen her and her mother to have made her to settle for such a job and to be doing ‘runs’ at night.
Memories of the past came flashing back into my head. I could not help but tell Dauda about what Dupe and her mother did to me and how Uncle Goke came to the rescue. When I finished the story, Dauda had not taken more than three spoon full from his plate of rice.

Oga I will personally see that she is sacked! I swear! How could she and her mother be so wicked? Dauda asked.
Don’t do anything to her! Leave her! I said.
She even has a son now! Dauda further offered.
A son? Is she married now? I asked.
I don’t think so! A fork lift operator that was sacked some months ago is the father of the boy. The guy is jobless now but still roams around the brewery premises looking for any job to do.

Which makes Dupe responsible for her child and her man? I asked.
Something like that sir! Dauda said.
Hmm, life, na wa o! I said.
We both left the canteen without eating up our foods, I only drank the can of Amstel Malta I had collected with the meal.

I closed for work at 4:30PM but I did not go home immediately, I went to the brewery bar for some beer and small chops. After gulping down two bottles of Gulder and two sticks of peppered Suya I went to the Logistics department to seek out Dupe. I could not take my mind off her since our encounter in the canteen earlier.

She was on her way out of the Logistics department when I walked in; she saw me and quickly turned around to take another route.
Come here Dupe! I commanded.
She stopped and stood still.
Some workers within ears shot turned to see what was about to happen.
Why are you running away from me? I asked her. I did not move further, I was like ten feet away from her. I was ready for a show down with her, so I raised my voice. I need a moment with you and that moment is now!
Workers started to cluster around us; she turned around slowly and walked towards me with teary eyes.

We went to an isolated area, an area marked for smokers alone; I sat down and told her to sit.
Modupe! I have just a question for you and I would like you to be honest with your answer. I asked you same question years ago In the presence of Akin and your mother and I am asking again! What did I do that made you to hate me so much?

She sobbed for some five minutes during which I was getting impatient:
I was naïve and immature! She finally blurted. You were the first boy to see me naked and it was in a very embarrassing situation, I expected you to have taken advantage of me like boys your age would have done but you did not! Instead you were laughing at me and looking me over with your lantern! I was naked and standing over my shit with your dog staring at me!

I don’t get it! I said: when did this happen?

Do you remember the night when I was defecating in front of your house in the village? I should be about eleven to twelve years old then. Your dog accosted me! I was standing naked and trembling over my shit! My pant was at my ankle and my blouse was above my waist, then you came with a lantern and saw me. You started to laugh at me! You really humiliated me and for that, I hated you! She said.

I can’t believe it! Just that? I don’t believe you sister! Even after that incident, you were good to me until I entered secondary school with you. When Baba Oloro’s children came for me I was in your house for over two weeks for protection! When I discovered the Alabi’s heist, you and your mother were like family to me so how could you have borne a grudge with me and still be good to me at the same time?

Not me! My mother showed you the love, not me. By then, I wished Baba Oloro’s children had killed you! She said.

Jesu Christi o! Just because I saw you naked and did not take advantage of you? Are you not supposed to appreciate me and respect me for that? I asked
Yes! It would have been better if you had touched me or done something that would guarantee me that you would not tell. You know how it was in the village. The village gossip and all that, I never wanted to be a gossip subject. I thought you would tell your friends and they will tell their friends and before you know it, boys will begin to bark when ever I walk past them.

I snapped. You gave me hell in secondary school! You humiliated me at every opportunity you had! You made me feel less than a dog! Okay, lets say you hated me because I saw you naked and God knows what else, did you ever hear it from anyone else in the village? Answer me! Did you hear of it from anyone else?
No! She admitted.
And is that the reason why you and your mother eloped with my money? I asked
She was sobbing silently, she was silent
You cannot answer that? I asked aloud
It is the devil, she said
The devil indeed! I said
So what is your story? You were in UNILAG or so I heard. You are supposed to be a graduate of secretariat studies. Akin your former guy told me, I said.

Ah Akin! She said
You still remember him, don’t you? I asked
She nodded.
He is married with Kids now; he is the biggest Cocoa merchant in the whole of Ekiti.
She flashed me a quick surprise glance and started biting her finger.
Yes! I continued; he has fleet of exotic Cars, his wife runs a complete school from crèche to secondary school in Ado Ekiti, he is also into real estate.
Akin? She interrupted
Yes Akin!
He dropped out of school after the death of his father! She said
He almost dropped! I corrected. He struggled to graduate eventually

Not much was left for him after the death of his father! She added.
Well, yes you are right, but you know, he put the pieces of his life together, he did some restitution and today, he is better off. He takes care of my dad when I am not around!
Your Dad? Or you mean to say your mum? She asked.

My mum is dead now, she came around eventually, we then discovered that Baba Land lord is my biological father! In other words you were my father’s tenant!
Jeez! She exclaimed
Yes o! It’s a long story, but the long and short of it is that I am no longer a bastard you and others tagged me.

She slowly went on her knees. Oh my God! She said; Bolaji I don’t know how to apologize for all the wrong my mother and I did to you, I don’t know.
When things started going sour for my family I thought maybe you had gone to the village chief priest to curse us or your spirit was fighting against us!

It could not have been my spirit because I am not dead. Maybe it was my grand ma’s spirit sha! I said. You know her money was involved too; the clothes and jewelries we sold were hers! And for your information, that money that had my picture with it and the note about my secondary education were actually from my mother.

In fact we could not explain what happened to all we money we stole from you! Every business my mother we ventured into went down the drain! It was so bad that she could not see me through the university. I had to resort to hustling just to meet up and graduate. I ended up graduating with a third class degree and as such I could not get a job. Life has not been easy with me and my mum.
There is no peace for the wicked! I reminded her
Really we have not had peace! Bolaji I am so sorry!
You are married I heard! I told her.
I met Cletus in Lagos, he gave me the impression that he was an engineer with Nigerian Breweries Kaduna, we started an affair and before long I was pregnant for him so my mum and I moved over to Kaduna. It was when we got here that I found out that he actually drives a fork lift machine in the Logistics department. That was when our problem started, he could not meet up with our daily needs because his salary was meager and not regular, he got me the job I am currently on.
And what is your job? I asked.
Don’t make a mockery of me BJ please, I know Dauda must have told you everything about me.
Okay I am sorry! I just wanted to hear from the horse’s mouth, but go on please. I said.
I supervise the bottle sorters and washers; the job is out sourced to our company by the brewery, the cleaning of the brewery premises and the entire environment. We were managing our lives until Cletus went and connived with a Truck driver to steal some crates of beer from the company. He lost his job and the responsibility of the family fell on me alone. Cletus has taken to drinking and mama is loosing her health. The work is too hard for her!

Please stand up! I said. And what does your mama do? I asked
She paused as she cleaned her knees before answering me. She is among the workers that I supervise! She said.
Jesu Christi o! Your mother is among these people wearing hand gloves drenched in water washing and cleaning the Breweries! I exclaimed
Yes! She said, nodding her heads, now she is suffering from pneumonia.
Where is she now? I asked.
She has gone home! I told her that I saw you this afternoon. Her blood pressure rose and she had to go home to rest. She said she cannot withstand the fright of seeing you. If you see my mum now, you will not recognize her again, she is so thin and grouchy, and she uses every day of her life to pray for forgiveness for what we did to you years back.
And you guys think God will forgive you just like that? Did you guys ever think of coming back to Ijan to look for me to apologize? You are asking God for forgiveness when the man you offended has not forgiven you? I asked.
The thing is that even if we come to look for you, we don’t have the money to return to you nah! She said.
That is the more reason to come and beg! Well some people say life is not fair! I continued: but I think life is very fair! It is we humans that are not fair in our dealings with one another. But whatsoever a man sows, he reaps!” to tell you the truth Dupe, I am here today because of you!
Me? She asked
Yes you! You so much humiliated me in school back then that I cried when I am alone. You made me feel like a failure in life! You reminded me that I was a bastard and have no place in the world of your kind! Well look at me today! I think you were right back then when you said that water finds its level! I pushed my self hard to prove to the world and your kind that I was not doomed to failure! I went through a lot to be where I am today, but all is because I dared to succeed. Look at you today! Look at your mother! Look at me! Well, I thank you for giving me attention this evening and most especially answering my question. But the reason you gave was not good enough, I think it was more out of my back ground as a pauper than seeing you naked, I t was a class thing. That is my take on that but all in all, thank you for your time. I am closed for the day, can I drop you off? It seems you were on your way out, I asked.

No I am good. She said: I need to get some food stuff and drugs for mama before going home.
Please tell your mother that I have forgiven you guys. Tell her I thank you guys for what you have made me become today. If not for you guys, I will not be here today.

The fact is that I was happy that nemesis had caught up with Modupe and her mother and she has seen that it is not good to look down on someone that is not dead because no one knows tomorrow. But on the other hand, I felt that if Dupe had not run me down back then, I would not have taken my destiny in my hands and fought to be a man today. I felt vindicated, no more bitterness but pity and compassion towards Dupe and her mother. I imagined the once elegant mama Dupe now washing bottles and cleaning gutters in the Brewery where I am a manager, she and her daughter that denied me my only source for a good a secured life. I cannot wait to tell Baba Fapounda and my father in law of this new discovery of mine. I cannot wait to go to home and narrate the discovery to my pregnant wife, she will be due to deliver next month, Baba does not know of her pregnancy yet! I have not spoken with him for close to a year now.

Feeling good and light in my feet I went to the Car park to drive home and call my wife.



THE END