by Chuks Gerry
CHAPTER FIVE
Aside from the state capital city, Garuba is the second largest town and a major commercial centre in the state.Though most of its educated indigene work in the civil sector, farming still remains the major occupation engaging almost seventy percent of its four hundred and fifty thousand population workforce. This percentage excludes traders who engaged in some form of subsistence agriculture making use of any piece of land lying waste somewhere to grow vegetables or rear poultry in a bid to augumate their measly income. Those that engage in large scale mechanize farming often seek loans from the banks to float their business under careful supervision. The governments also step in by providing grants and subsidies to these farmers, a role which contributed to their immense success, helping them expand and maximize profits. Very much like most northern state, Garuba soil is quite fertile but this year has met with very minimal rainfall an issue which occurs every other year. But the strategic move made earlier by the government and stakeholders in the sector to construct a modern irrigation system helped combate the problem so that it didn’t threatening to their yield. These improvement in agriculture infrastructure resulted to massive increase in agricultural produce, boosting its commercial sector as produce where exported to other cities and states in the country, a clear testament to the reason why the state is termed the food baskets of the nation. All these progress in the sector was facilitated promptly by the chairman of the association of farmers union in the sate working tirelessly hand in hand with the ministry of education, state commissioner, federal government and private sectors.This amiable and enviable position used to be occupied by the late Alhaji Dansuki Danbaba was now void upon his death and its now seriously vied for by his contemporaries.
The town has a polytechnic and college of learning which plays host to numerous students both from within and outside the state. There’s also an indigenous radio and television station aside from the state owned corporations. Matches were still being played in the statduim built very many years ago though it was just recently renovated. Another major sector were the government deserve kudos was in the area of road construction and maintenance. In the past Garuba roads used to be filled with tyre damaging death trapping potholes but all that is now water under the bridge as most major roads within the town has been repaired and news ones contructed, however roads linking streets within the town were neglected, some of them in grave condition resulting in critics calling the government out as being superficial in their approach towards infrastructural development. There are no big multinational oil companies and most employed people work either in the ministry or banking sector. Garuba is also home to the oldest mosque in the state, a late eighteen century mosaic structure built by early Islamic settlers from Northern Africa.The building has undergone many structural repairs over time and its now one of the largest mosque in the state and a major historical significance to the city. All in all Garuba was predominantly a city of the middleclass, its view quaint albeit riveting.
Because of the huge spoilage of agricultural produced during harvest, stake holders in conjunction with both state and federal bodies, and private investors began talks to build a multimillion dollar storage, processing and preservation plant, the first of its kind in the country. This futuristic project is aim at making the state not just a place for commerce and farming but soon to include manufacturing and production. Once this project is completed and successfully commissioned, it will put the state upfront in a few years as a major powerhouse in the country. The populace sees a future where looking for job will be an issue of the past as well as other creative opportunities emerging to engage its ever growing and teaming population. But as usual something peculiar with not just the state but the country as a whole is filled with evil, myopic, narrow minded and selfish personaliies who’d rather divert funds earmarked for project of such magnitude into their personal bank account. However the masses needn’t worry about that since Alhaji Dansuki Danbaba a man of the people was elected to chair the board.
Alhaji Dansuki Danbaba was such a man upright and just in his dealings, righteous in his act, focused and diligent. A good man with a large heart and ears to the ground to listen and accommodate. He was loved as well as hated by many. A man who had a lot to live for, a life cut short so quickly. A soul sent to the underworld way too soon. A statement of his death released by the police spurred an outcry from the public who knew that their hope for a better tomorrow has been abruptly stolen. Though his death was a result of organized robbery attack as stated by the police, some indigenous news agency as well as other media outlet had their doubts, speculating there was something more sinister especially since his body was still at large.
Alhaji Dansuki Danbaba steered clear from partisan politics choosing instead to play a statesmanship role but all too often finds himself sucked in somehow. Truth be told the people wanted him there. Being looked upon as a visionary leader, the people have pledge to support him should he contest in the next governorship election for the most powerful seat in the state. On the surface there was no indication of him expressing interest in any position but there have been sightings of him in caucus meetings that suggested otherwise. Insinuation kept flying he was bidding his time till the eleventh hour before making his intentions known. Following his death, fingers were pointed to different direction as to who and what is to be held responsible. The commissioner of police has given a mandate of seventy hours to fish out the culprits. Base on this imperative, the police department in Garuba have been working tirelessly round the clock carrying out investigation, sniffing for information, searching for evidence and so forth. By two pm Saturday afternoon the police released a statement they have a lead. In less than three hours time another press statement was released claiming their main suspect in the person of Mr Aliyu Danbaba, the twenty two year old and senior son of the victim has eluded them and gone into hiding, pleading with anyone with useful information as to his whereabouts to duly inform the authorities citing he’s extremely dangerous and cautioned should be deployed when and where found.
News of this recent development traveled across town fast and got almost anyone that heard it talking. No sooner had it settled different versions started manifesting on the lips of people. While some said the police discovered the gun used for the attack in his room, others speculated that an insider found blood stain clothes in Aliyu’s luagages before proceeding to alert the police. Tales of his whereabouts further compounded the allegations labeled against him because if truly he was innocent there wasn’t any need for hiding but to commit himself to the authorities to prove his innocence to all and sundry.
Nneka and her kid sister came out to assist their mother bring in some groceries out of her car trunk. Mrs Nwankwo was making a hasty conversation on her mobile phone as she waited for her children to finish with the chore. She’d informed Nneka that she will return home early with the soup condiments but it was past six pm already and any plans to cook the soup has been definitely overruled. Nneka knew of her mother’s forgetful nature especially when sales are exceptional at the shop as it was these days, so intuitively she proceeded to boil yam and make vegetable sauce for dinner. As Nneka carried the last bag of items inside she overheard her mother conversation and it was centered on the Danbaba’s predicament. She stalled a little longer to listen some more but her mother’s voice alerted her.
Nneka better make sure you parboil those meats, don’t just dump them in the freezer after you’ve washed them thinking this light will last,’ she instructed in the midst of her phone call.
Yes ma,’she replied.
Erm! Is that Bose’s mother’s car parked out there?
Yes it is.
Alright, I wonder why you are still wasting time with those groceries, ‘she said impatiently. Please lock the car door when you’re through, let me go and say hello to her.
Oh you aren’t coming inside yet
No.
Hmmm,’Nneka muttered silently to herself, this one h
er mother is rushing over to their neighbor’s for a quick chat without resting implies something is definitely amidst. This was one of such occasions she wished Bose wasn’t away in school. A phone call and Bose would have eavesdropped on their discussion and gist her afterwards what transpired between their mothers. Afterall it was from such tasty discussion they’d learnt that Mrs Curry, a Yoruba lady married to a Briton who lives several block away was frolicking with men anytime her husband is away on his frequents trips. She’d even got the nerve to bring her consort home until she was finally caught naked in bed with her latest romp her gardener, or was it the time there was a robbery attempt in the neighbourhood. When one of the robbers was caught and taken under custody it was alledge one of Imam Abubakar son’s had staged the robbery attacked to get even with his father, a claim that was quickly dispelled by the police. But the most scandalous story to ever rock the neighborhood in recent times belongs to Rev Mike and his family of three beautiful teenage daughters. Rev Mike was an Anglican priest in a nearby parish and his wife Dr Grace Adewumi were one ostensibly proud supercilious couple who were strongly opinionated and always appear right in their deeds. They believe in their perfection and so refuse mingling but still manage to force their opinion down the throat of their neighbors, an act which made them greatly despised. So it came as no small surprise when the news broke that their eldest daughter who was barely seventeen years back then was having an illicit affair with their Islamic mathematics teacher Mr farouk. Like her parents she was a straight A student who behaved superior to her peers and bullied them around like subordinates rather as her mates. Nenka and her clique avoided her and her clique like plague.The end result was she became pregnant a month before her senior certificate examination, her conditioned was first noticed by their biology teacher who then informed the principal who then put a call across to her parents. Like they say good news travel fast but salacious gossips travel faster. The Adewumi’s had to leave town as they couldn’t withstand the scourge and mockery any longer, while Mr Farouk was suspended indefinitely. People still talked about the incident even though it’s been over three years and counting since it happened and parents still very much used it for referral when reprimanding their kids.
Nneka place the last grocery bags besides the kitchen sink and proceeded to arrange the various items accordingly. She was about preparing the beef for steaming when she heard Amara yell her name alerting her to her handset which was ringing. She hurried up to get to when it went blank. Perusing the contacts she saw several missed calls from Aliyu. Just then it started ringing again, she took to the pantry before answering.
Hello Aliyu, how you are today and why are you just calling me now. Abi didn’t you see my missed calls yesterday evening? She barrages him with questions barely waiting for a reply.
I did, but alot have been happening of late and there was no time for me to reach you till now,’ he responded with a voice barely audible and strained.
I guess I understand with the prayers and police investigation. So how’re you?
I’m fine babe and you?
Same here guess what I’d thought about all we discussed and I just want to say I’m with you. I don’t care what anyone or anybody think or say, what matters most is love. I love you Aliyu and I’m ready to give it...erm us a trial that is if you’re still willing.
There was silence from the other end.
Are you with me? She inquired walking back to the kitchen to check the meat on the cooker.
Aliyu can you hear me? She reiterated, his voice seeped through the earpiece but it was too faint with a loud rowdy noise at the background. Damn it, these bloody network providers she cursed under her breath.
Yea I’m with you Nneka but there’s something i———
Please tell me when next you will be visiting again,’she interjected cutting him midway.
Very soon Ishi Allah, but listen something happen earlier today, I was wondering if you’ve heard.
No I didnt, what happened.
Hear me, I want you to know that no matter what, you just have to believe and trust me babe.
This one you’re sounding like this I hope all is well and you are alright.
Certainly I am.
Then when am I seeing you again.
Hmm hopefully soon.
Hopefully soon and you saying all is well with, noway I don’t believe you. Be honest and tell me what is actually going on?
Can’t go into details now, pardon me dear.
Are you implying you can’t trust me or what?
I’m not implying anything. It so comforting hearing your voice and I appreciate you loving me in a time like this,’he sneezed severally before continuing. I’m innocent of every allegation labeled against me and trust Allah to vindicate me,’ his voice breaking.
Allegations -—are you crying? She inquired shocked at his present disposition. Tell me exactly were you are, I’ll be there Asap.
Don’t bother honey, I’ve to go now and—-I’m grateful for your love and compassion. Bye,’he hunged up promptly.
Aliyu hold on please, the phone went dead in her ears. She tried redialing his number but it went straight to voicemail. She kept on trying intermittently, wondering loud what was amiss oblivious of Amara opening the lid of the pot of boiling meat. The next thing she heard was a loud shrieking cry which pierce through her soul accompany by clattering noise of aluimnium on the floor. Nneka delve into the kitchen bewildered to discover Amara clutching her wrist in pain.
What’s happening here? She queried breathlessly.
I think I’ve burned my wrist,’ Amara said with tears filled eyes.
Let me take a look at it. She examined it carefully before letting out a sigh of relieve.
You were lucky the steam only slightly glazed your skin. What were you thinking tempering with hot cooking items? Nneka was furious.
I was hungry and you were busy on the phone so I went to the pot to check if the food was ready.
If dinner was ready I’d have alerted you. I want to use this medium to beg you never to go near a boiling pot until you’re mature to handle one. Just look at how you almost got yourself burned, mommy would have skinned me alive.
I’m sorry, didn’t mean to get you in trouble.
It’s okay,’she said rubbing honey on the scalded portion of her wrist.
And am I forgiven?
Only if drink this to help alleviate the pain,’she said handing her some aspirin.
Was it Aliyu you were on the phone with?
Yes, now hurry up and drink it before mummy returns,’she instructed handing her a glass of tap water. Amara hesistated a little but seeing the stern expression on her sister face gulped it down with a little effort.
Good,’ Nneka said satisfied thereafter she went to rinse some dishes to serve the food.
Has Aliyu turned himself in because I don’t think running off is the best option.
Turning himself in -—running off honey, how do you mean?
Oh, so you’re in support of his going into hiding?
I’m not in support of anything, for godsakes I’m lost here. Could you please elucidate? Nneka was nonplussed
Ah, didn’t he tell you he ran away from home. Anyway I went over to Bose’s house and over heard her mum and ours discussion. They say the news is all over town and you’re here pretending like you haven’t heard.
Honestly am not aware of anything,’she uttered quite stupefied
But why on earth should he run from the police? Amara muttered more to herself,’Abi did he commit the crime?
How on earth am I supposed to know,’she gesticulated with her hands in frustration.
But you were on the phone with him several minutes ago, why didn’t you ask him? Nneka shook her head overwhelmed as she went into the pantry
I also overheard you expressing your feelings to him, something which I don’t subscribe to.
Why if I may ask?
Because he is a family friend and engage
d and a Muslim....and I don’t think he truly loves you too.
Really, how so?
Because if he did he’d have confided in you. My bet is if really you want to know what’s up, watch the 8pm news. I’ll run along now,’she picked up her plate of food,’please don’t look too shocked and check what’s on the cooker, I perceive meat burning.
Nneka,Nneka,’her mum scremed her name from the bedroom jostling her back to reality from the maze Amara took her too.
Yes mummy,’she yelled back in reply
I hope what you put on the fire is not burning o?
No ma, it’s not,’she said putting out the gas. She took her plate of food and join Amara in the dinning table. Exactly five minutes to eight, Nneka tune the station from cable to the local channel for the news highlights. True to her sister words the Danbaba’s saga was mentioned. She carried her plate to the sitting room so as not to miss any detail. Their mother came out from the bedroom, saw her and got upset.
How many times have I warned in this house I don’t want anyone eating in the parlor when we have a dinning?
I’m sorry mum but I heard something on the news about Alhaji Danbaba, the reporter said the police have a lead which points to Aliyu as the main culprit.
Yes, so we heard at the market today.It’s such a pity
But mum you don’t believe it right?
I don’t know what to say other than the police apparently have enough evidence on him that would warrant his arrest.
I still don’t think Aliyu is guilty even if the police have video tape to buttress their point. He is such a nice, peaceful loving soul who cares deeply for those he loves especially his family. There’s definitely no way he could hurt a fly talk less of committing murder even if he’s offered the world, ‘she said confidently.