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CHAPTER 3


In the eerie stillness of the night, Ade awoke to find his door wide open, the chilling echo of slow dragging sounds lingering in the air.

Determined to trace the unsettling noise, he ventured outside, guided by an instinctive curiosity mixed with dread.

In the distance, Ade spotted a ghostly figure, shrouded in darkness, dragging something akin to a shovel.

The ominous presence halted, as if sensing Ade's gaze, and turned to meet his eyes. A surge of paralyzing fear gripped Ade, compelling him to retreat and secure his door.

Silent moments passed, punctuated only by thuds on the floor and a loud bang against the windows.

When the unnerving noises ceased, Ade cautiously opened his door to discover guava fruits scattered on the ground – three ripe and preserved, one half-bitten and rotten. A trail of muddy red sand marked the passage of the mysterious figure.

The following day, Ade ventured to the guava tree, finding it mysteriously withering along with other fruit-bearing trees. His curiosity led him to the village, seeking answers from the grieving mother who had lost her child.

Upon locating her, Ade was met with a mix of fear and reluctance. The woman, her grief evident, warned him to leave not only her presence but the village itself. Before he could learn more, Chief Okon intervened, silencing the woman and instructing Ade to depart.

Ade, troubled by the inconsistencies, walked back home. The encounter revealed that Chief Okon was in good health, contradicting Utsi's earlier claims.

CONTINUE


The hospital greeted Ade with chaos upon his return.

A distressed young girl had been rushed in, her agony echoing through the air. The only words she could muster were a haunting repetition of "my head, headache... Oh, my headache."

Priscilla and Lulu scurried to find the girl's mother as Ade hastened to her side.

In the dimly lit room, the little girl clutched Ade with a frenzied grip.

Her eyes, wide with terror, locked onto his, revealing a primal fear.

Before Priscilla and Lulu returned with the mother, the girl's desperate attempts to expel something from within her became agonizingly clear.

As they entered, the child collapsed, life slipping away.

Ade, caught in a whirlwind of helplessness, performed CPR. He extracted a blood-soaked mango seed from her mouth, a grim revelation that sent shockwaves through the room.

" What is that?" Lulu asked, frightened beyond comprehension.

The mother arrived, devoid of grief or words. Ignoring everyone, she cradled her lifeless child and left.

"Excuse me ma, I am so.... Excuse me ma, hello?"

Ade, determined to understand, sought to speak with her, but she recoiled in fear, her gaze fixated on someone – Utsi.

The encounter left Ade with more questions than answers.

That night, a heavy silence enveloped the hospital, there were no laughter nor drinks to go around.


"The village has its own fair share of such accidents, I am very sure, it must be poisoned or something by a wicked step mother or who knows, poor go but it happens, It may given be a plague,"

Utsi, seemingly unfazed, revealed the cause of the girl's demise.


Ade, grappling with disbelief, confronted her, demanding clarity.

"What do you mean, a plague? This is beyond any medical explanation, we had nothing to work with, "

Utsi, maintaining an enigmatic composure, responded. "Some things are beyond your understanding and medicine, Ade. Accept that and focus on what you can comprehend, death is not a new thing here,"

The tension escalated, drawing the attention of Sam, ever protective of Utsi.

"Ade, ease up. Utsi and everyone is in shock too, besides she knows more about this place than any of us."

Ade, fueled by frustration and a growing suspicion, pressed on.
"I'm tired of vague explanations. We deserve to know the truth. What's really happening in Umhi, Utsi who really are you and what are you trying to do?"


"Okay that's enough, you don't talk to my girlfriend like that, Friend or brother, I don't care, nothing gives you the right to talk to her like that!"

The confrontation escalated into a quarrel, Sam defending Utsi's cryptic explanations while Ade sought tangible answers.

" You know what, f**k you but you better be careful with her around, "

The disagreement reached an impasse, and Ade, weary and disillusioned, stormed out, leaving the unresolved mysteries of Umhi echoing in the night.

CONTINUE



Ade's journey to Dumho village unfolded as a quest for answers although under the guise of the general meeting by Corp members and a need to report to the Corp members superiors over their activities so far.

A departure from the cloaked mysteries of Umhi hadn't been received well by Utsi who objected to it yet Ade had made it clear, his trip wasn't up for debate.

Upon arrival, he discovered a bustling community of Corp members, a stark contrast to the isolation of Umhi.
And as soon he was done with all he needed doing, he traced out Steve, a fellow Corp member and old camp friend, greeted him with a nod.

"Hey, Ade! Long time, no see. Welcome to Dumho. Quite a different vibe from Umhi, huh?" Steve said.

"Definitely. It's like stepping into a whole new world, what, what do you mean by different vibe from Umhi?" Ade asked curiously.

"Don't tell me it's been a month and you haven't realized how strange your PPA is, the village has a outstanding story that all the villages know about," Steve exposed.

"Really, we hardly noticed," Ade lied, with a view to unraveling the full gist.



"Rumor has it Umhi has a very dark past. There used to be coal mines, foreigners, and a whole lot of people, the land was good and fertile. But they said something happened one day, someone or something caused something, maybe angered the gods of the land, that part is not clear but people started dying mysteriously, first outsiders, then the villagers and even the land was affected, Strange things started happening. Most folks ran away, scared out of their minds. Only a handful stayed. They're like permanent residents of the haunted village now." Steve replied.


This was news to Ade.


"Also, I heard from the Corps liaison officer that over the twenty five Corp members posted to your PPA only you five were picked by the village, somehow they have got connections way ahead of even the LGI, you guys are the special ones,"

Steve's expression shifted, and he leaned in conspiratorially.


Ade absorbed the information, his curiosity piqued.

"This is the first time someone's telling me something concrete about Umhi. They keep trying to keep us in the bud, What's the deal with that place?" Ade asked.

"It's got a reputation. Outsiders are afraid to go there, don't want to mess with whatever's happening. May they don't want to scare you guys with the stories, " Steve suggested.

Empowered by newfound knowledge, Ade shifted the conversation to his suspicions about Utsi.

"Steve, I need your help. There is someone that works here, she is from my PPA, I want to know more about this person, There's something off about her." Ade said.


"Someone from Umhi, here in Dumho? That's already a big impossibility, Umhi's permanent residents don't associate with others, I can tell you, The stories are everywhere!" Steve reiterated.

"Well, somehow she is here, her name is Utsi perhaps she uses another name or something just, find out if there is anyone, next time we meet, I will be asking for information and please from now oh, whatever you hear, please keep them packed, I would like to know all of that, " Ade concluded.

"Sure, Ade. I'll look into it. But be careful, okay?" Steve replied.

Before parting ways, Steve issued a cautionary note, urging Ade to exercise extra care and mindfulness within Umhi's boundaries.

"Stay vigilant, Ade. There may be more to Umhi than meets the eye. Be mindful, and watch your back." Steve added.

Ade, now burdened with revelations and questions, embarked on the journey back. The weight of uncertainty and the village's cryptic history lingered in his thoughts.

CONTINUE


Three days after the successful campaign, a cautious trickle of villagers began to visit the hospital.

Despite the newfound openness, an air of wariness lingered in their interactions, a subtle tension coloring the atmosphere.

Utsi proved invaluable, bridging the language gap and aiding in translations.

Yet, Ade couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss.

Overhearing a heated exchange between Utsi and a patient in their native tongue deepened his unease.

"Is there a problem?" Enquired Ade.

"Oh no, nothing at all, it's all good!" Her reassurance seemed too light to hold water.
Ade sensed an undercurrent of secrecy.

During their nightly camp session, Ade decided to probe further, asking Utsi about local legends.

"There should be some funny, superstitious story about something, every village has one," Ade asked.

Strangely, she denied their existence, brushing off the stories as boring.

"Nothing interesting surely, it would bore you guys to death, I assure you,"

Ade persisted, sensing there was more beneath the surface. Utsi grew visibly uncomfortable, prompting Sam to intervene, revealing a hidden facet of their relationship—they were dating.

" I and my girlfriend will see you guys, tomorrow, she has been working non stop the entire day!" Sam revealed.

Left alone with his thoughts, Ade grappled with the unlocked door that seemed perpetually disturbed, it had been reoccurring and persistent, he couldn't just explain yet but something made sure his door was kept opened at night through to the morning.

That night, a dream gripped him, transporting him to a scene of urgency. Utsi, accompanied by the girl from the earlier confrontation, propelled them through the bushes, her movements animalistic, she brought them to a spot and pointed to a massive circle of giant monstrous fruit trees.

Awakening with a start, Ade's ears to caught a dreary sound, a slow gut wrenching drag of a metallic object against the tiles floor, it seemed louder and louder by the seconds as it dragged, pulled behind slow ghostly foot steps and just then as it started, it stopped.

An unsettling tension lingered in the air, prompting Ade to explore the dimly lit corridors.

Outside afar off, he found Utsi sitting alone, staring into the night.

Perplexed by her solitary vigil, Ade hesitated before deciding to return to his room, could she had been the one, he wondered shortly.

She definitely was starting to look like another Umhi permanent residence.

CONTINUE



PRESENT DAY

Under the unforgiving Umhi sun, three days of struggle with the malfunctioning solar system left Ade and his friends in a state of frustration.

The blame game ensued, fingers pointing at Sam, who vehemently denied any involvement.

The scorching heat mirrored their tempers as they pulled and pushed wires and circuits hoping they jolted back something yet they were defeated by both technology and the sweltering weather.

"You just had to be charging all your devices everyday, now thanks to you, we might be in perpetual darkness for God knows how long," Priscilla said, her emotions in check.

"It wasn't me, guys serious, I didn't even bother to charge anything yesterday," Sam defended.

From a distant, the gates croaked open, their expectations of Chief over the last two days were replaced by the unexpected appearance of a young beautiful, fair girl who was within their age range, her name was Utsi.


A lively presence, she greeted them with an energy that seemed distant from the village's subdued vibe.

"Hello, good afternoon you guys, You all must be wondering who am I, I am Utsi, Chief Okon's daughter, nice to meet you all, my dad fell in a ditch so he asked me to come check up on you all, "


Her arrival brought a welcome diversion, a break from the monotony of technical troubles.

Utsi, the supposed daughter of Chief Okon, easily grasped their situation and offered a solution for the heat.

" I may not be a technician but I can help with the heat, you all should go get ready, I am taking you all for a swim,"


Her proposal of a trip to the Village river for a swim was met with unanimous excitement.

The promise of a different experience, away from the confines of the hospital, sparked a newfound enthusiasm in the group.

The day unfolded as a series of firsts, guided by Utsi's initiative. She led them on a tour, unveiling hidden corners of Umhi that remained unseen by their outsider eyes.

By nightfall, she seamlessly joined their campfire gathering, sharing stories that bridged the gap between their worlds.

In the glow of the fire, Utsi opened up about her life.

She mentioned working in the next village but remained elusive about the nature of her work.

"It's a job, I do what I am told and they pay me enough to keep me going," She said.

Her visits to Umhi, she explained, were at the summons of her ailing father, Chief Okon.

As the night air echoed with tales of wars, betrayals, and deep-seated distrust within Umhi, Utsi became a storyteller weaving threads of history.

She implored Ade and his friends to give Umhi a chance, urging them to see beyond the veil of skepticism.

"The people here have been through a lot, Umhi has a lot of not so favorable history book's history, we don't like to talk about it, some are long old and fading but many are fresh and remain still but relax, they will come around,"

With a spirited proposal, Utsi suggested a campaign to bring people to the hospital, a change that could bridge the gap between the village and the outsiders.


Ade, ever cautious, questioned if Chief Okon would support their initiative.

Waving off his concerns, Utsi reassured Ade, "My father will support this. Trust me, when I am in charge, I am in charge,"

As the night wore on, Sam, embodying his usual spontaneity, volunteered to see Utsi off.



Priscilla and Lulu expressed their satisfaction with Utsi's demeanor, their anticipation growing for the campaign ahead.

" I like her, It's a first for me in this village I was already thinking might be planning to eat us or something," Priscilla relieved.

Ade, still cautious, allowed a sliver of hope to flicker within him.

As they dispersed to their respective spaces, the news of the campaign lingering in the air, Ade couldn't help but feel a subtle shift.

" Let's see how tomorrow goes!"

The promise of tomorrow hung in the Umhi night, a promise that hinted at the possibility of change, unity, and a bridge built between the hospital's walls and the mysterious heart of the village.

CHAPTER TWO - OCCURRENCES



TWO WEEKS AGO



The village slept in the shroud of midnight, where shadows danced with the whispers of the wind. Utsi, a little girl with dreams woven into her slumber, awoke with an urgent call from nature.

"Brother, Brother... I want to ease myself!" She called out in frantically.

The familiar faces of her bigger brothers lay undisturbed by her pleas.

Fearing the consequences of peeing on herself, Utsi ventured out into the still night.

The entrance seemed a safe haven, she needn't not go further, a place where the stories of missing children whispered only caution.

As she relieved herself, a ripe mango thudded against the ground, a serendipitous gift from the village's fruit-laden trees.

Hunger tugged at her, memories of her mother's ban on eating from those trees months ago flickering like distant fireflies.

More fruits beckoned her, and with each step, the little girl wandered further from the familiar warmth of her home.

The night, alive with the symphony of unseen creatures, cradled her innocence in its arms.

In the heart of the village, the little child's mother stirred from the depths of a nightmare.

Panic seized her as the realization dawned—her daughter was gone. A name, a desperate call, escaped her lips as she frantically searched the empty spaces within their home.

The girl, still nibbling on the forbidden fruits, heard the distant cries of her mother. The mirth of her secret adventure melted into a pang of guilt. It was indeed time to return back, she had had enough.

She turned, the crunch of the fruits beneath her small feet echoing through the night. The love-laden voice of her mother reached her ears, and with a heart divided between curiosity and filial duty, she retraced her steps.

The moonlight painted the village in muted silver, and as The little child approached, her mother emerged from the doorway. Relief flickered in her eyes, replaced by a terror that echoed in her scream.

The tranquil night transformed into a nightmare as a malevolent, shadowy figure loomed over Utsi. A hand, swift as a phantom, descended upon the unsuspecting child.

The impact, an almost supernatural thud, reverberated through the air, shattering the stillness of the night.

The mother's scream echoed through the village, a chorus of terror that seemed to pierce the very fabric of Umhi. The figure, a specter in the night, cradled the child's broken form and as if moaning for a moment before fading into the darkness.

Mother and daughter, separated by a cruel twist of fate, were left to confront the chilling reality that unfolded beneath the moonlit tapestry of Umhi.

CONTINUE


Ade joined Sam, the unease from the dream still etched on his features.

Outside, beneath a nearby guava tree, lay a heap of fruits—nature's mysterious offering.

"Did anyone notice the tree had such fruits on, all this while?" Priscilla asked.

"Nobody comes to this side except Sam, I have never seen such clean fresh fruits before," Lulu noted.



Sam, ever the optimist, downplayed the strangeness. "Maybe it's the season for guavas here and mute man must have done us a service to help us offload the tree. Lucky us, right?"

Despite Sam's attempt to lighten the mood, Ade couldn't shake the feeling that this bounty was more than a stroke of luck.


As they indulged in the fruits, the group's shared uncertainty was interrupted by a peculiar sight—the mute gatekeeper, his gaze fixed on them with a keen interest that bordered on unsettling.

CONTINUE


The flickering flames cast wavering shadows as Ade and his friends gathered around the campfire that night, a sense of unease lingering in the air like an unspoken secret.

The day's events weighed on their minds, and Sam, the storyteller of the group, broke the silence.

"Did anyone else notice those dried-up trees in the village, the village must have suffered a drought or something?"


Lulu, her keen observational skills always in play, chimed in with her own observations.

"And what about the villagers? Their behavior was not just weird as expected but strange, like they were afraid of us, are we really the first outsiders in this village?" Lulu asked, gulping more liquid than the others this time as the bottle got to her.

"Have anyone thought maybe this people might be something like occultic or even human eaters?" Priscilla

"Human eaters in the 21st century, that's ridiculous you must have hit the bottle harder than lulu, here!" Sam dismissed her claims.

Ade, the cautious leader, felt a knot tightening in his stomach. The palpable strangeness of Umhi surrounded them, and he couldn't shake the feeling that they were in the midst of something beyond their understanding.

"We need to be careful," he warned, his gaze flickering between his friends.

"Chief Okon told us not to meddle or be curious. We're here for our service, not to unravel Umhi's mysteries, let's be guarded, our territory is within the walls of this hospital, perhaps we keep to it and stay out of the locals way, I am going to bed, it's been an uneventful day, "

With a lingering sense of caution, Ade excused himself, leaving his friends by the fading warmth of the fire.

As he locked his door that night; this time making sure he was certain the bolts clicked, a feeling of isolation settled in, the sterile walls of the hospital room offering little comfort against the enigma of Umhi. He took one long look at the others, lulu, under the influence of the drink had started a dancing to some inaudible song whilst Priscilla and Sam watched on. There was nothing to see there, he concluded.

Sleep, however, brought no respite. In the dream realm, Mama Ngozi materialized once again, her presence a haunting echo in the darkness. Eight-year-old Ade stood before her, the weight of her gaze was over powering and compelling.

"The others I know but you, who are you, child!" She asked in a cool yet authoritative voice.

But the dream took a sinister turn almost immediately.

A force, unseen and malevolent, seized Mama Ngozi, turning her approval into terror. She screamed, the sound reverberating through the dream like a discordant symphony, as she pushed herself back into the darkness that began to eat up the scene hungrily.

Ade jolted awake, drenched in cold sweat. The morning light filtered through the curtains, but the terrifying echoes of Mama Ngozi's scream lingered in the recesses of his mind.

The weight of an unseen force, of secrets that transcended the tangible, clung to him.

His door swung opened as Sam broke the lingering silence.

"Ade, come quick! You won't believe what we found."

CONTINUE


The village greeted them with an aura of reserved curiosity.

Locals, their eyes guarded and expressions stoic, observed the outsiders with a mixture of suspicion and intrigue.

Ade and his friends attempted to break the ice, engaging in polite conversation that only deepened the chasm between them and the villagers with many outrightly declining to speak to the outsiders and a few others, avoiding the group as best as they could.

The atmosphere grew more mysterious with each step.

The villagers, reluctant to engage in any meaningful conversation became apparent.

Sam, growing increasingly restless, attempted to capture the essence of the village on his phone. Ade's cautionary glance went unnoticed as Sam persisted.

Their stroll back to base led them to a peculiar sight—a group of villagers, led by an eccentric figure, Mama Ngozi, carrying a lifeless body toward the burial grounds.

The scene unfolded with an eerie silence, devoid of the mourning wails that typically accompanied such processions.

Mama Ngozi, draped in vibrant fabrics and adorned with symbolic accessories, exuded an air of otherworldliness.

As the group of friends approached, attempting to offer condolences, the villagers ignored them. It was as if they were invisible, mere specters in the midst of the living.

The realization struck—there were no tears, no mournful cries. The villagers, consumed by their task, marched in solemn unity, their gaze fixed on the path ahead.

Mama Ngozi, a mysterious figure with eyes that seemed to hold the secrets of Umhi, paused to watch the group of friends from a distance.

Ade and his friends, unsettled by the strangeness of the scene, exchanged uneasy glances and continued back to base with something new to talk about.

CONTINUED


Ade awoke with a start, the remnants of a haunting dream lingering like shadows in his mind.

In the dream, he was a little boy being dragged through a bush by an unseen force until he woke, drenched in sweat.

His door stood wide open, a silent invitation to the Umhi night. The rhythmic crowing of a distant rooster echoed through the silence.

A shiver coursed through Ade as he wondered whether he had left the door ajar or if an unseen presence had breached the threshold of his dreams.

The hospital, a realm of sterile white and hushed whispers, awaited.

Ade joined his friends as they settled into their roles, the weight of the dream lingering like a specter at the edge of his consciousness.

The realization struck them soon enough—no patients arrived, and the corridors echoed with an emptiness that mirrored the vastness of Umhi's mysteries.

"Splendid, I guess we have chief okon to thank for the alert, eh!" Sam bemoaned grumpily.

"Well, Shouldn't that be a good thing?" Lulu asked, passing a quick stare across the group.

"Good thing you say, How am I suppose to fall in love and find a native who is can prepare the local dishes and treat me well?" Sam continued his hysteric wailing.

"We should go to the Village, I believe there is ice to be broken over our arrival, it's a small village but I bet, once we go out, the word will spread around," Priscilla decided to join the discussion, she had watched the day crawl slowly through the morning to the afternoon ; this she found, quite boring and distasteful.

Sam, the ever-restless spirit, suggested a stroll to the village. Ade, feeling the need to bridge the gap between their outsider status and the tight-knit community, agreed.

As they prepared to leave, Sam reached for his phone, a habit from a world that Chief Okon's words had cautioned them to leave behind.

"leave it behind, remember..."

"No way, I don't scare easily bro,"

Ade's reminder of Okon's warning didn't deter Sam, who dismissed it with a casual wave.

Against the silent protest of the mute gatekeeper, they ventured out into the enigmatic embrace of Umhi.

CONTINUED


The night descended upon Umhi like a shroud, the rhythmic crackling of the campfire the only companion to the silence that wrapped around them. Ade and his friends, seated in a haphazard circle, celebrated their arrival and anticipation of their service adventures.

A bottle circulated among them courtesy of Sam, laughter intertwining with the tendrils of shadows cast by the flickering flames.

Lulu, known for her spirited nature, became the target of playful teasing about her tolerance for alcohol. "Come on, Lulu, show us your skills, Sip a bit, don't stop the bottle, " Sam urged, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"You and your cheap antics, I don't want to drink, simple!"

"She is afraid, her glasses might fall off," Priscilla joined.

Lulu, never one to back down from a challenge especially one thrown by Priscilla , accepted with a grin.

The liquid courage flowed, and soon, laughter echoed through the night as Lulu embraced the effects of the drink.

Her antics drew more laughter from the group, turning the campfire gathering into a spirited celebration beneath the Umhi night sky.

As the night wore on, a sense of camaraderie blossomed among Ade and his friends. The firelight danced on their faces, revealing expressions ranging from amusement to contemplation. Priscilla, her gaze fixed on the flames, broke the joviality with a question that lingered in the air like the echoes of a distant melody.

"Why is the hospital so far from the village?" she wondered aloud, her words punctuating the quietude. Ade, the de facto leader of their small band, took a moment before responding.

"I noticed that too, usually the primary health care facility is located deep within the village, this is different" he admitted, his eyes narrowing in thought.

"Who knows, well, You heard that chief say they are more traditional than the ancients of days, who knows why they do what they do," Sam shrugged.

"It's strange. Usually, hospitals are at the heart of a community, not isolated on its outskirts, I guess they really may not have a use for us," Priscilla thought openly.

"Or they don't want us snooping around, especially with a guy like Sam around," Lulu half conscious, revealed.

The realization cast a subtle unease over the group. The hospital, a modern structure surrounded by the echoes of ancient secrets, seemed to stand as a sentinel of solitude in the night.

The shadows it cast stretched like fingers reaching into the unknown.

Ade, sensing the need to steer the conversation, brought their attention to their duties in Umhi. "We're here for our NYSC service, and it's our responsibility to ensure the smooth running of the hospital activities whether they have a need for us or not, people will come through those gates eventually and it will be our duty to help them," he explained, his words a reminder of their purpose in this mysterious village.

He outlined their tasks, assigning roles to each friend. Sam, with his affable nature, was to assist in patient care. Lulu, still in high spirits despite the effects of the drink, was assigned administrative duties. Priscilla, with her keen eye for detail, was tasked with managing inventory and supplies.

The roles defined, the group returned to the camaraderie of the night. They laughed and chatted, the flames of the campfire flickering as if in rhythm with their shared stories.

"It's a start to life in this village, so let's do our collective best!" He concluded.

The bottle continued its journey among them, passing from hand to hand, forging a bond that transcended the mysteries that surrounded them.

Priscilla, her gaze fixed on the embers, decided to address the unspoken questions that lingered among them.

"We need to be cautious," she said, her tone serious. "Chief Okon's words weren't just for show. There's something about this village, we might be government children but this village should not be messed with, the chief clearly stated that in his own way,"

The group fell into a thoughtful silence. The crackling of the fire provided a backdrop to Priscilla's words, creating a moment of shared contemplation beneath the canvas of stars.

The village, draped in secrecy, seemed to hold its breath as the night sky turned gloomy, a storm perhaps in the distant announcing it's enviable presence.

CHAPTER ONE - CRACKLES


The bus, a weary traveler on dusty roads, rattled to a stop, its ancient joints protesting the journey's toll. Dust, stirred from the earth, swirled around Ade and his friends as they disembarked, their excitement tempered by an underlying sense of anticipation. The village of Umhi lay before them, a tapestry of time woven into the very fabric of its structures.

The group had met at the bustling camp, a mosaic of diverse faces bound by the common thread of their impending NYSC service.

Laughter had echoed in the air as they exchanged stories and shared the excitement of the unknown adventure awaiting them in Umhi.

As they surveyed their surroundings, Umhi seemed to breathe with a life different from the city's pulse. The air itself felt heavy with an enigmatic atmosphere, a prelude to the mysterious events that awaited.

Sarah, her gaze scanning the unfamiliar landscape, voiced the unspoken sentiment lingering among the friends. "It's not exactly what I expected. It's so... different."

"Well, different can be good, the air is fresh and the scene could be therapeutic if you know," Priscilla added.

"City dwellers will have a hard time to adjust but me, no problem, I will blend well like fine wine," Sam promised.

The village, a juxtaposition of ancient traditions and recent developments, offered a unique ambiance. Ade and his friends were led to their accommodations, dwellings that blended seamlessly into the ancient surroundings yet bore the marks of recent construction, a testament to the village's simultaneous embrace of tradition and progress.

The hospital compound, their new home, stood as a recent endeavor by the incoming government, its buildings fairly modern yet surrounded by an air of isolation.

Fruit trees adorned the grounds, casting shadows on the pathway to their residences. Behind the buildings, uncultivated bushes, uncompleted buildings and dreary vegetation hinted at a secluded existence.

Their settling in revealed the vastness of the compound. The hospital, a not so imposing structure, a cluster of almost class room blocks covered in green and yellow paints , seemed to echo with the silence of a place untouched by the bustling rhythm of city life.

The realization that they had the entire compound to themselves, with its untamed surroundings and the distant echoes of solitude, added an unexpected layer to their initial excitement.

"Are they telling us, this entire building has no one except for us to run it?" Lulu grinned, the twenty three year old hausa with thick glasses that mirrored her intelligence spoke out as a mild grin etched on her face.

"The proper five star treatment, hahaha, this is going to be fun, hahaha except for the terrible network, I think I am going to love it here, with one or two beauties from the local surroundings, I will make the hospital as busy as the main roads," Sam boasted.

" Don't get your hairy balls wet yet, doctor Sam, less workers mean more work, I hope you know that, " Priscilla reminded.

As they explored, the group encountered the gatekeeper, a mute figure whose inability to communicate left them with a sense of isolation. Questions lingered in their eyes, but the gatekeeper's silence offered no answers.


It was as Ade settled into his apartment that he was startled by a strange figure at his door. Chief Okon, a man marked by the wrinkles of time, approached with deliberate steps. His eyes, deep pools of ancient wisdom, met Ade's, and the encounter carried a tension that lingered in the air.

How long had this stranger been watching him, As Ade watched on awkwardly for a moment.

"Welcome, strangers, please may I have all your attention for a brief moment" Chief Okon uttered, his voice a resonant melody that seemed to echo through the stillness of Umhi. "Umhi embraces those who seek, but be wary of what seeks you."


"You can ask for a rejection letter and it will be given right away but if you wish to stay, there are rules, I am sure you expected that, " his words weighted with the unspoken history of Umhi. He shared a mysterious tale of the village's origin, weaving a narrative that hinted at ancient forces at play.

The rules were laid out, each word carrying the weight of tradition and a deeper, unspoken truth. No stepping out of the compound after 5:00 pm, a curfew imposed by forces unseen. No phones, no cameras, and no questions asked about the dealings of the people. The group listened, captivated by the enigma that surrounded them.

"You are the first set of strangers to step into our village, whilst it's not a bad thing for strangers to be amongst us not many see that, years of communal clashes and wars in the past can really affect the ability of a small village like ours to trust outsiders," Okon revealed, his eyes holding a secret that transcended the boundaries of spoken words. "The people of Umhi have their means; they see no use for the hospital, we requested a bore hole from the government, we got it but they went on to provide the hospital even though we didn't request it so and we obliged. You must have met uki, whatever place you need to go, write on a paper, he will be your guide on such things,"

The group, a circle of faces painted with a mixture of curiosity and uncertainty, absorbed Okon's words. He continued, a guardian of secrets that stretched beyond the horizon of their understanding.

"Once every three days, I will be around to check on you, I don't have to tell you that there won't necessarily be CDS meeting for Corp members here, the nearest village is 18km away and with bad roads, we have made special arrangements too, " Okon informed them, his presence a reassurance wrapped in the shroud of mystery. "Do not be curious about what goes on within the village especially during the festivals, our people are quite sensitive towards such. Things happen, and it's for your safety. If you need anything, the gatekeeper will relay your message."

The encounter concluded with a final, cryptic warning. "Never ask too much questions, never be curious, we really don't appreciate that, we are a peaceful people here, " Okon reiterated. "Umhi has its ways, and your safety lies in adhering to them."

The group, now standing on the precipice of Umhi's secrets, watched as Chief Okon retreated into the shadows of the village.

"Still thinking about those local beauties abhi?" Priscilla asked.

"Why not, come on, this is a normal introduction for most people, you don't think he was trying to scare anyone with all those formal introduction, by tomorrow, the ladies will walk into the buildings or I will go look for them, Better enjoyment must surplus here, " Sam reiterated.

" I don't like him, there is something about this... Anyway I have things to do, I was told by the CLO to check up on some medical equipments that were never tested and check up on other stuff, it's going to be a long day, Sam, come with me, ladies, I guess you all start making a good list for a welcome feast, what do you say? " Ade smiled conclusively.

" Sexists are everywhere, because I am..."

Lulu was interrupted by Priscilla.

"Oh yes Doctor, your wish is our command, also let us know when we will do your Laundries?"

The two ladies passed a stare at the guys and scowled off.

"You had better start thinking of finding a local girl too before all these feminists turn them against us,"


The air hung with a heaviness that transcended the physical, and as they exchanged glances, the unspoken understanding settled among them—they had stepped into a world where the unknown held sway, and Umhi's secrets beckoned them into its enigmatic embrace.

Did a revised synopsis, I decided to go urban and modern on the protagonist drawing from my own experiences and also because another project has a similar protagonist to the original so I had to work that out.



OLD ROGER IS COMING.

Jewessgratitud3:


And gave her a knock
The old woman ran hippety -hop

This is a primary school poem. Though it was mango we sang with not apply.

Yes, yes, we all sang it back lol, watch out for this space, I am bringing old roger back and no one is escaping his knock lol.

ART WORK IS COPYRIGHTS PROTECTED BY DEVIANT ART AND NOT MINE.

Author's Note


I have always found some children rhyme strange and weird, one of those was OLD ROGER. For some reason it felt something out of a horror flick, something I hope to explore in this upcoming project.


OLD ROGER - REVISED SYNOPSIS COMING UP

Ade and his friends arrive at their Primary Place of Assignment (PPA) for their one year MANDATORY SERVICE program.

However things soon begin to spiral out, as rumors and strange happenings begin to lead to the death of women in the village.

As they delve into the village's haunted past, they must confront the horrifying truth of the village's involvement in Old Roger's tragedy.

Now, the undead force seeks revenge on the women of the village, forcing Ade and his friends to unravel the mystery and save those he loves before it's too late.

OLD ROGER

Old Roger is dead and gone to his grave,
H’m, ha! gone to his grave.

They planted an a mango tree over his head.
H’m, ha! over his head

The mango grew ripe and ready to drop,
H’m, ha! ready to drop

There came a high wind and blew them all off,
H’m, ha! blew them all off

There came and a woman to pick them all up.
H’m, ha! pick them all up.

Old Roger got up and never went back
..... ........ ..... THE BEGINNING

THE END

COPYRIGHTS RESERVED 2023®


I could never had done it without God Almighty's support and you guys reading.

Thank You All.

CONT'D



The crisp morning air greeted Akin as he parked his car outside the familiar precinct of the Ogbasia police station.

A week had passed since the shadows of the Igidah case had dissipated, and now the detective found himself at a crossroads.

The decision to resign from the force and embark on a new chapter of his life lingered heavily on his mind.

As Akin ascended the worn steps leading to the entrance, he took a moment to appreciate the surroundings he had grown accustomed to over the years. The station, a bastion of law and order, stood as a silent witness to the myriad of cases he had tackled, each one leaving its mark on his journey as a detective.

The morning sunlight filtered through the canopy of trees, casting dappled patterns on the pavement. Akin's footsteps echoed in the quietude, a rhythmic cadence that seemed to resonate with the profound decisions he had made in the wake of the Igidah mystery.

The familiar faces of colleagues greeted him as he entered the station, a mix of nods and knowing glances acknowledging the seasoned detective's presence. Akin, however, felt a sense of detachment, as if the walls of the precinct were no longer able to contain the aspirations that now stirred within him.

Making his way to his desk, Akin saw the remnants of a life dedicated to solving crimes. Case files neatly stacked, the whir of a distant printer, and the soft hum of conversation among colleagues created a tableau of routine. But Akin knew that his time in this familiar setting was drawing to a close.

Seated at his desk, he stared at the badge that had been his companion through countless investigations.

The polished emblem, once a symbol of honor and duty, now seemed to carry the weight of a decision that transcended the precinct's walls.

Akin's gaze shifted to the framed photograph of his wife, Lucia, which adorned the corner of his desk.

The memory of her radiant smile and the impending arrival of their triplets were the driving forces behind his choice to step away from the tumultuous world of crime-solving.

With a measured breath, Akin took out the resignation letter he had carefully penned over the week. The words on the page conveyed a sense of gratitude for the years spent in service, but also a firm resolve to pursue a different path.

As he walked toward the office of Superintendent Babatunde Ayefele, the DPO, Akin felt a mix of emotions – anticipation, nostalgia, and a tinge of apprehension. The decision to leave behind the badge that had become synonymous with his identity was not taken lightly.

Superintendent Ayefele looked up from his paperwork as Akin entered the office. The seasoned detective could sense the curiosity in the DPO's eyes, an unspoken question about the sudden change of course in Akin's career.

"Detective Akin," Ayefele greeted, a mix of formality and familiarity in his tone. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Akin extended the resignation letter, the weight of his decision evident in the steady way he handed it over. "Sir, I've decided to resign from the force. I've been offered a lecturer position, and I believe it's time for a new chapter."

The DPO, taking the letter, studied Akin for a moment before nodding. "You've served with distinction and passion for the force, Detective and I understand your need for doing this but I think there is something you need to see first, it came in yesterday's night, I was going to send someone to you but since you are here, "


Confused, Akin watched as Ayefele reached for an envelope on his desk. With a deliberate motion, the D.P.O. handed it to him. Akin took it, the paper crisp beneath his fingers. The words on the envelope immediately caught his attention: "State Criminal Investigation Bureau, Abuja."

His heart quickened as he tore open the envelope, revealing a letter addressed to him. Akin's eyes scanned the words, absorbing the astonishing revelation that he had been promoted officially to the position of a detective and was now in demand by the State Criminal Investigation Bureau in Abuja.

Akin's initial shock transformed into a complex mix of emotions. The promotion, the transfer to Abuja – it was more than he had ever envisioned. The words of the letter painted a picture of recognition and acclaim for his exceptional work, particularly citing his last case, which had reverberated far and wide.

The D.P.O., observing Akin's reaction, spoke with a knowing smile. "Your last case, Detective, has etched your name in the annals of our profession. You've become a symbol of dedication and excellence. Abuja recognizes talent when they see it, not every good deed goes unnoticed in this profession, "

Akin's mind raced, grappling with the unexpected turn of events. The decision he had thought was his to make had been influenced by a force beyond his anticipation. He felt the weight of the responsibility that came with such an honor.

Akin's thoughts danced between the familiarity of his resignation letter and the allure of a promotion that beckoned him to new horizons. The precinct, once a comfortable cocoon, now seemed like a launching pad to unexplored heights.

The D.P.O. offered a supportive nod. "Take your time, Detective. Your decision is yours to make, and either path will be a testament to your capabilities."

As Akin exited the office, he found himself standing at the precipice of two diverging roads. The familiar faces and routines of the Ogbasia police station whispered tales of the past, while the letter in his hand spoke of a promising future in the heart of Nigeria's capital.

Seated at his desk, he weighed the significance of both choices. The camaraderie of his colleagues, the daily grind, and the essence of his current role beckoned him to stay. On the other hand, the recognition, challenges, and prestige of a detective in Abuja teased him with the allure of the unknown.

As he contemplated, Akin realized that sometimes life's decisions were not black and white. The shades of gray blurred the lines between duty, ambition, and personal aspirations. The precinct, with its faded walls and familiar faces, held memories that were an integral part of his identity. Yet, the allure of Abuja tugged at his sense of professional achievement.

Akin knew that the crossroads he stood at marked a pivotal moment in his career. The letter in his hand symbolized recognition and a call to new adventures, while the resignation letter on his desk echoed the comfort of the known.

In the end, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Akin's decision unfolded like the plot of a suspenseful novel. The precinct held a chapter of his life, and Abuja promised an unwritten tome of possibilities. The choice was his, and the pages of his story awaited the ink of his decision. The end, for now, was a prelude to a new beginning.

With those words, Akin felt a sense of closure settle over him. The decision, once looming on the horizon, was now formalized. As he exited the DPO's office, the station's familiar sounds seemed to carry a different resonance – a symphony of memories that had shaped his journey.

Walking out into the sunlight, Akin took one last look at the Ogbasia police station, a place that had been both a sanctuary and a battleground. The choice to resign or take up the promotion marked the end of an era, but as


he drove away from the precinct, Akin couldn't help but feel the stirrings of anticipation for the uncharted path that lay ahead.

THE END.

CONT'D


"There is no way out of this, Mrs. Sheila, you know it's over," Akin reminded her.

"I know, Tell my daughter that I am sorry and that I love her," She sobbed before Akin heard another gun shot.

In the eerie aftermath of the gunshot, the courtyard fell into a heavy silence.

Mrs. Sheila's lifeless body lay sprawled on the ground, the echo of her final plea lingering in the air.

Akin, startled by the abrupt end, felt the weight of the night press upon him.

"Tell my daughter I love her," were Mrs. Sheila's last words, a haunting message that reverberated through Akin's thoughts.

As the acrid scent of gunpowder hung in the air, Akin knew that this tragic chapter had reached its somber conclusion.

The police officers rushed in, their urgency met with the stark reality of a scene now frozen in melancholy. Julius, entering the courtyard, surveyed the tableau of sorrow and whispered to Akin, "Is it over, Detective? "

Akin nodded, his expression a mixture of relief and sorrow.

The relentless pursuit of justice had led to a cascade of tragedies, leaving behind a trail of shattered lives and broken dreams. The distant crackle of fireworks filled the night sky, a stark contrast to the somber scene playing out below.

As the officers secured the area, Akin walked away from the haunting tableau.

The pressure that had clung to his shoulders throughout the investigation now lifted, replaced by a profound sense of both closure and lingering regret. The weight of the choices made and the consequences faced settled upon him like the chill of the night.

The eve of Christmas unfolded, the sky illuminated by bursts of colorful fireworks that seemed to dance in celebration, oblivious to the darkness that had unfolded below. Akin, weary yet resolute, stepped into the cool night air, his mind a tumultuous sea of emotions.

As he walked away from the scene, the distant sounds of revelry and joy underscored the harsh reality of a world where shadows coexisted with celebration.

The pursuit of truth had exacted a toll, and Akin couldn't escape the awareness that some mysteries, once unraveled, left scars that lingered long after the case was closed.

CONT'D




The night air crackled with tension as Mrs. Sheila, desperation etched across her face, fired another shot in Akin's direction just as soon as Akin had come within reaching distance.

The bullet whizzed past him, prompting Akin to seek refuge behind a concrete pillar, his wounded shoulder protesting each move.

"Stay back!" Mrs. Sheila's voice trembled, a volatile mix of fear and defiance. Her eyes darted nervously, scanning the darkened courtyard for signs of escape.

Akin, shielded momentarily by the pillar, knew that the approaching police siren was his only ally, a dissonant melody heralding the inevitability of justice.

Akin, his voice calm yet resolute, called out from behind cover. "Mrs. Sheila, it doesn't have to end this way. The police are coming. Surrender, and we can resolve this without more bloodshed."

Sheila's response was another gunshot, the sound reverberating through the still night. The bullet ricocheted off the pillar, a stark reminder of the danger that lurked within the shadows.

Akin winced, pain shooting through his injured shoulder, but his determination remained unbroken.

As the distant wail of sirens drew nearer, Akin seized the opportunity to reason with Mrs. Sheila. "You can't escape this, Mrs. Sheila. Let's talk. Put the gun away,"

Sheila, her eyes glistening with a blend of tears and rage, scoffed at Akin's attempt at conversation. "Talk? You think talking changes anything? Look at this place, this life! I've been treated like dirt my entire existence. It's time I took what I deserve,"

Akin, steadying himself against the pain, pressed on. "Taking what you deserve doesn't justify murder and theft. Put the damn gun away, now! "

In the growing distance, the flashing lights of police vehicles heralded the impending arrival of law enforcement. Sheila's resolve wavered, caught between the relentless pursuit of a life she believed she deserved and the encroaching consequences of her actions.

"I've seen enough misery, Detective. Poverty, abuse, humiliation. It's time for me to taste the good life. I won't let anyone stand in my way," Sheila declared, her voice tinged with bitterness.

Akin, aware of the delicate balance between negotiation and imminent danger, carefully chose his words. "There are better paths to change, Mrs. Sheila. This isn't the solution. Let's end this peacefully. Think about the consequences for everyone involved."

The police sirens blared closer, drowning out the echoes of gunfire. Sheila, caught in the crossroads of her choices, weighed the gravity of the situation. The stolen money lay forgotten on the courtyard floor, a symbol of misguided aspirations and shattered illusions.

CONT'D



Pain seared through Akin's left shoulder, the shot had gone cleanly through.

Mrs Sheila and missed his face by mere fraction, The gunshot echoed through the laboratory, a testament to the tumult that had engulfed the once-quiet space.

Akin winced, feeling the warmth of his own blood seep through his fingers as he clutched the gunshot wound.

The wizard made a quick attempt to launch another attack with his shovel but Akin gave him no chance, clutching hard his pistol's trigger, he let out one single shot.

The wizard, now felled by a fatal shot to the neck, lay sprawled on the floor, the allure of his deceptive charms forever extinguished.

Akin, though wounded, pushed himself up from the cold laboratory floor, a dogged determination in his eyes.

As he staggered forward, following the erratic path Mrs. Sheila had taken, his instincts sharpened. The bag of stolen money had become a talisman of escape for Mrs. Sheila, and Akin knew he couldn't let her slip away.

Akin, fueled by a mix of pain and purpose, moved through the labyrinthine corridors of the school, his senses attuned to the slightest sound that might betray Mrs. Sheila's location.

Through dimly lit hallways and echoing passages, Akin pressed on, each step accompanied by a sharp reminder of the gunshot wound that throbbed with every heartbeat. The urgency of the chase heightened as Mrs. Sheila's desperate cries for escape echoed through the empty corridors.