by Chuks Gerry
I guess you must be Ibrahim, brave dude,’he said smacking him lightly on the shoulder.
And you must be Valentine, Nneka’s big brother. I’ve heard a lot about you. It’s nice to finally tag a face to the name,’he returned with a smile.
Not to worry when you are stronger we can all go to for a drink, hopefully with Nneka and Amina present.
Offcourse it’ll be delightful and worth every- - - -
Erm Val I hope you ain’t leaving anytime soon,’Eugene interjected.
Not really, am just waiting to get my mum drugs.
Oh dear, how’s she feeling today?
She’s cool, never felt better.
That’s good to know, erm, those are Ibrahim sisters overthere. He has an appointment with the neuro surgeon. Give me a minute, I’ll be back shortly,’he said wheeling Ibrahim away.
Val went back to were he was seated to continue waiting. When his mother’s name was soon called upon, he was given a bill which he took to the account section to make payments. Thereafter he took the teller to the receipt section were he was issued receipt before proceeding back to the pharmacy with the receipt to collect the drugs. This upward and downward movement at first used to be entirely exhausting but he’d gotten accustomed to it. By the time he got to back to the pharmacy, he met Eugene waiting for him.
Hey, wassup thought you probably left,’he was saying as they shook hands.
You know this hostpital and their beaucracy which offcourse is synonymous with most government parastatals is a major setback to this country,’ Val exclaimed tiredly.
Too bad but it is what it is,’ he chipped deridingly. That aside is there any latest development on your sister’s case? He asked eagerly.
Nothing new, I was at the station yesterday with my kid sister. Same cliché phrase that they are on it. Though they have a new twist to their findings but the DPO refused to elaborate tagging it classified information.
Hmmm interesting, new clues definitely implies there is hope and the culprits soon brought to justice. Even though we’ve lost faith in the police it doesn’t still mean they don’t do their jobs, most especially when one of theirs is affected.
How do you mean?
I recently found out that our lecturer who was murdered Mr Abiodun is brother inlaw to the DPO. His death was a huge blow to his entire family and the DPO has sworn revenge. He has strong ties with the commissioner you know, so I believe strongly there is hope.
Wow that is so touching; my heart goes out to his kids and family. This is truly a trying moment for us all and I pray for enablement to perservere,’he said grimly.
He now sees reason why the series of arrest have intensified even before curfew hours. He remembered how crowded the station was the other day and one particular suspect caught his attention. The culprit was among five kids bleeding profusely when pulled out of a van. It was the same kid that constantly tormented Amara and her friends on their way back from school. They were caught robbing several houses which include maiming and killing of one person. This will surely be the end of the road for them, poor souls he shrugged. While no one choose to be birthed, the type of life we live thereafter is a choice and will be held accountable for.
After getting the drugs, he and Eugene strolled to the reception hall were his mom and sister await. Eugene exchanged pleasantries with Mrs Nwankwo, generously complementing her goodlooks and personality. Val was impressed on how Eugene brazenly works his boyish charm on his mother making feel good about herself, smiling giddily. Eugene really has his way with women he thought afterall they are all the same irrespective of age. They are all suckers for praise and adulation. Eugene’s knowledge of her daughter and earlier recounts contributed alot in reviving her, a reassuring fact that she wasn’t among those badly burnt mingled corpses brought to the mortuary. Simply put her daughter was kidnapped soon to be released gave her cause to be cheerful and enthusiastic. He hitched a ride with them, dropping at the nearest bustop to his destination promising to pay her a visit as soon as he can.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
You haven’t said much since your absurd behavior earlier when you were acting like someone having a seizure or something. What was the matter with you? Quizzed a really concern Amina. She was perturbed about her friend sudden change of countenance, which is not only attributed to their present condition since the novelty is yet to wear off but something else entirely.
Nneka you know I hate being given the silent treatment, gosh you’re scaring me. Please, please talk to me else I might do something really crazy,’she muttered fidgetingly. Nneka stood and walk towards one of the makeshift window exhaling deepling.
Honestly for a minute I thought I actually saw a ghost among the crowd and it was staring back at me. But now after giving it a thought, perhaps it was my mind playing games.
Don’t get you, care to elucidate.
Well I thought I saw Aliyu but am not quite sure.
Aliyu, you mean your Aliyu, you can’t be serious. Anyway since you aren’t sure it’s mere hallucination, put it off your mind and concentrate on what is on ground. C’mon lets go out and join the others in whatever activities they’ve planned for the the evening. Gosh, I’m famished
Yea, me too.
Outside people were gathered in small groups, chatting and engaged in one or two domestic activities. If not for the obvious awareness it was an incarceration camp, one would’ve thought it was a small village community going about their normal lives. They saw some ladies eating together by a fireplace with their kids playing about.
Let us ask them if they can spare us a plate of food,’Amina pointed out nudging Nneka forward. After several attempts by Nneka describing what they wanted, she gave up. Amina spoke a little Fulani which they understood and pointed her towards the direction of the open kitchen.
You know what to do and you allowed me waste my time eh,’ chided Nneka with feign annoyance.
Pardon me for wanting to be sure they are not barbarians. Who knows they could probably be volatile and eat strangers.
You’re crazy you know,’Nneka hissed, sauntering off towards the described location of the kitchen. Though it was already dark with flickering of light interspersed randomly, they trailed the aroma of freshly cooked meal until they came across people coming out from a structure with flasks.
I can eat anything like now as far as it’s cooked and smells good even if it’s maggot,’Nneka quipped.
Eww, stop it or do you want me to puke?
When they entered the kitchen layout, there were several giant empty pots lying about and one particular huge one on the fire, filled to the brim with water. Amina approached one of the ladies around to explain their need but she eyed them cynically, hissed and went about her business. Puzzled she went across to another but wasn’t given even the slightest acknowledgement. Nneka stood by the corner getting agigitated by the seconds and was about giving it to them when someone called her name in a whisper. She wasn’t quite sure but turned around to see a kid staring straight at her. She stared back wondering if they’ve met before as she inwardly dissolves her indignation. He ran off into the shadows leaving both ladies contemplating on what next to do. Surely they can’t sleep in this condition as the hunger is most likely to wipe them out in their dreams. Amina went ahead to plead with tears for even a spoon of meal from the women who were about carrying away the last remaining pot with some content in it.
Drop that pot and serve them,’a voice instructed emerging from the darkness. The kid had returned with a lady who they probably figured was his mother or aunt. Her order was met with some disgruntled haggling and side talks but she remained formidable and stern in her stance. The women capitulated and loaded two plates of food for them with pieces of meat each before taking the pot away murmuring. The kid went to get them a cup of drinking water while the lady helped them with a bench to seat.
You both are lucky I happened to be around. Those ladies are angered because they think you girls looked too wor
ldly and as such refused to serve you not minding the fact you guys are fairly new here,’she said
Worldly, how do you mean? Nneka quizzed
Your open hair, trousers and fixed nails was a complete no for them and as a result were regarded as prostitutes.
It is foolish of them to term us prostitute when they don’t even know us,’Nneka berated
Oh I see, that the reason for the condescending look the other lady ushered me with,’Amina reminisce over a mouthful of food
Weren’t you ladies given attires to wear after being shown your quarters?
Yes we were but we can’t wear crap like that,’Nneka stressed with a gesture.
Listen sweethearts,’she began sternly,’do yourself a favour and put them on, secondly always do exactly as you’re told for your own good. Tommorrow is an eventful day, goodluck,’she cautioned bidding them goodnight leaving with the kid.
Rabiu were the hell is you, Rabiu,’Aliyu yelled as he approached the bathing units were he was informed he will be.
I’m right here. He heaved after hearing a response. With the night far spent and cool breeze scarce, Rabiu was having a late shower to cool off just before bedtime.
Yes Aliyu what’s the matter,’he said filling up his bucket with enough water to rinse off the lather from his face and body.
I saw Hassan few minutes ago and he confirmed to me that the lady’s name is indeed Nneka, my pretty Nneka and his description of her was on point.
Really he told you that? He asked amid splashes.
Yes, it’s surreal but Rabiu wallahi I will rather die than allow any harm come to her,’Aliyu said anxiously.
Calm down brother, I know how much you love this girl but come to think of it you can’t draw conclusion on a young kid’s description else you will be getting worked up over nothing,’he explained as he dried himself up. Secondly, you will surely die if you do not to act wisely and of what importance will you be to her dead. So what I recommend firstly you do is to be absolutely sure she is the one. Secondly after our induction which is just about forty eight hours from now you can make a solid appeal before the council to make her yours which I believe they will obliged without much hesistation.
Really,’ he quized not fully convince. And what if she’s already taken by someone else before then?
Then I’m sorry nothing can be done about it anymore, she’s gone.
That I won’t allow,’Aliyu said in a fit. These people have taken everything that matters to me, but I’m sorry I won’t let them have her,’he said resolutely
I feel your pain brother.
No you don’t, not when you’re acting this cool.
Offcourse I do. Someone who meant the world to me was taken and it brought me here. The joy of seeing her soon had kept me thus far. Know this if she is yours, she is yours and no one can take that away from you.
That night Alliyu went to bed with a shattered emotion deluded of sleep.
The training session has fully geared up and efforts intensified as the D-day draws nearer. With less than thirty six hour to the commencement of the ceremony more time were put into perfecting all they’ve learnt with Rasaq in charge of the combat programe. Aliyu and Rabiu were always paired anytime he is in command a pair he describes as the perfect combo however Aliyu felt it was an excuse to make his job easier seeing that he was slightly better than Rabiu in all form and helps him pick up the slack. The exercise though rigorious was soul lifting for him being that he’d been depress all morning. Only twelve participants remained from the initial number of sixteen which make them by far the fewest inductees yet. Husseni dropped in to address them during the course of the exercise, lecturing them brieftly on what to expect from the upcoming ceremony which entails all inductees making an ultimate sacrifice. Though he wasn’t obligated to disclose much, he subtly pleaded with them not to relent. Al-sahad transcends everyone even Talib-azziz himself and its here to stay weather the world likes it or not. He finalized by applauding their hardwork and dedication, extolling their zeal to serve. Later that morning, Aliyu perfected his act on handling and decoupling of several military rifles and improvised explosive devices, he also worked on his shooting range. By twelve noon they went on recess to reconvene later in the evening for a five kilometer endurance schlep. Strung out and exhausted Aliyu and Rabiu strolled leisurely to their quarter to freshen up, ahead of them in the distance people were queing infront of the warehouse in a distinct pattern. Rabiu pointed at them alerting Aliyu on what was ongoing.
Aren’t those the hostages from yesterday?
I can’t say actually,’Aliyu responded wondering.
Bro are you thinking what I’m thinking?
I guess so,’he replied as they both hasten their steps almost on the verge of jogging towards the warehouse.
Oh yea, it is what it is,’Rabiu exclaimed between breath. The selection process has begun.
But why so soon, shouldn’t they be allowed to acclimatize,’he muttered disgruntingly meandering through the crowd in search for a betterview.
It’s probably their intention it holds before the induction ceremony tomorrow night.
These folks got no chill whatsoever, so impatient to add to their already healthy harem and begin procreation,’remarked Aliyu with a sardonic expression.
The affair had drew some top ranking officers notably Husseni who was ebulliently observing from a makeshift plateform in the background.
Let go of me you bastard,’a lady shrill suddenly pierce the air which resulted in a resounding slap and shove. She landed roughly on the floor, covered in sand and dust, partially passed out. One of the grunts went over to assist her back on her feet to face a mean looking Jafar. She faced downward badly shaken and sobbing, her hair flickered across her face. He raise her face up with one hand and was about giving her another slap when he was pounced upon by another female captive. Her feeble attempt to help her friend resulted to loud jeers from the crowd. A guard effortlessly restrained her from Jafar who went to his backpack and returned with a leather whip.
This one is quite feisty and needs to be disciplined,’he yelled brandishing the whip, moving boisteriously towards her. He raised his hands up in an attempt to strike, the leather glistening under the intense sunlight, his muscle taut with protruding veins under the pressure it exudes. Taking all these in micro seconds Nneka heart melted, closing her eyes she wondered how she will survive the ordeal.
Leave her alone was what she heard instead of the stinging bite of cured leather on her flesh. Jafar turned around to see Aliyu approaching with a clench fist.
Sanni take hold of your puppy else I’ll make a scapegoat of him,’he growled menacingly.
If you don’t let go of her this minute I will be force to hurt you,’Aliyu threatened as he approached.
His brazeness got everyone startled, spurring loud murmurings. Taken aback by his threat, he landed the whip heavily on her. She screamed opened her eyes and gasp, not because of the pain inflicted by the whip but rather upon the seeing Aliyu in swift stride. With a well intended smirked Jafar turned around only to receive a hard punch on his jaw knocking off a tooth, throwing him off balance. He staggered backward, bending down to assimilate the effect of the punch while two gaurds restrain Aliyu. He waved at them to let him be after recovering from the shattering effect of the punch.
I told you not to hurt her but you dared me,’he spat.
Bracing up properly jafar removed his shirt exposing his sinewy muscular frame. He was slightly thicker and shorter than Aliyu. Taking steps in strides fueled by fury he went after Aliyu. Not a limpwrist himself he stood his ground, fist in position ready to fight till death to protect his love. The fist fight that ensued went on for almost five minutes with Aliyu mostly on the defensive against the more formidable astute Jafar. Putting his recent training into practice, he was able to wade off Jafar’s incessant attacks with the intention of wearing him out. He heard someone calling his name, turning around he saw two gaurds beating her up. Th
is little distraction worked in Jafar’s favour, who utilised it to deliver several well intended punches in quick succession on his face, chest and a final sucker punch on his gut which left him buckling on the floor gasping for air. Coming onto him in that position, Jafar strandle his neck inbetween his hands in a vice like suffocating grip. He struggled for several seconds to no avail before delivering several elbows on his side, one, two and three. Jafer losen his grip on his neck but quikly reinforced with an upper punch which threw him back flat on the floor heavily, bleeding from both his mouth and nostrils. There was a loud cheer from the spectators which have now double in size even drawing audience from those in the survelliance tower. Still on the floor recovering, he felt his head pulled backward and punched repeatedly. He slump facing upward dazed by the imaginary stars encircling his head. While the cheers kept growing and Jafar bask in the glory of his euphoria which further expanded his ego, Aliyu lay on the floor covered in dust slowly gathering his wits.
You have to either forget the girl or die,’jafar yelled at him.Choose one or——Aliyu grabbed a fistful of sand and flung at his face, blinding him. Acting quickly Aliyu jumped to his feet delivering several punches which he tried wading off as much as he could. He delivered a huge one on his rib which sent him reeling in pain. Getting back on his feet he went to his backpack and withdrew a dagger which he used to lashed forward at a befuddle Aliyu who wasn’t quite sure on how to defend himself. He slashes at him but Aliyu was fast on his feet dodging each attempt effortlessly then suddenly he felt a sharp tingling sensation on his wrist where the dagger had barely graze his skin. He took off running as fast as he could with a raging Jafar on his heels, to where the crowd encircled them. Reaching were some of his colleague stood someone threw him a plank, looking up he saw Rabiu winked at him. He bent down remaining still for several seconds, waiting patiently as Jafar drew closer with bloodshot rage. Just then he rolled on the floor as Jafar made to strike, sprang to his feet and delivered a king hit with the plank on the head which knock him off completely. Walking round his motionless body, he picked up the dagger, dropped the blank and went over to Nneka. Both gaurds upon seeing him approaching gave way as silence enshroud the the spectators. With tears welled up in his eyes, he cut the ropes binding her beckoning her with outstretch hands. She hesistated a bit, still in awe that it was actually him then with cautious step leap unto him.There was loud disapproving murmuring as they embraced. I am so sorry was all he could mutter before they were yanked apart by powerful grips. He struggled yelling at them to let go of him, while the top officers held brief talks as to what type of punishment should be meted out to him. He was taken away and tied firmly against a pole while another muscular senior officer with broad shoulders and gloomy expression approached brandishing a horsewhip. Popularly known as the chief whip and disciplinarian, Aliyu knew he was done for as he braced up letting out a stiff breath. The friction left by the first lash on his skin sent a deafening excruciating signal to his skull alongside a ripple effect all over his body.The second lash landed with an even more ferocious intensity, searing away tiny particles of flesh. He passed out by the tenth lash.