CHAPTER TWELVE CONTINUES




Bin-Ahmed’s capture made the biggest headlines in the world news and the security Chiefs with Ajuwa Williams were all impressed and joyous. A big credit was given to them for their relentless efforts and dedication. Bin-Ahmed would have to face criminal charges of terrorism and war against humanity in court which, by the constitution was death by hanging. In as much as Ajuwa Williams was happy about the capture, he was still dissatisfied and his moment of happiness was incomplete after he got that call from the military base in Moguil State about the non-rescue of his daughter. In politics wise, his capture will mean something of a plus, a big benefit in the country’s quest to be a permanent member of the UN security Council and also, to lead other African nations in terms of security crisis. Plethora of soldiers went ahead of him and trailed him as he was led through in the base. Only terrorists or people capable of causing insidious threats to the live of people and the country in general were kept as prisoners in the base which was nicknamed, an abode of torture and a place, where an escape was practically impossible. Every eye was on him, some spitting on him, some hitting him like the betrayed Jesus in the Bible, till he saw himself, land on his back against the cold floor. He wasn’t scared, instead, he wore a look of ecstasy, no different than when a woman is cuddled in the hands of her romantic lover. Eight soldiers guarded the entrance to his cell, all looked perplexed at his inexplicable attitude. Each of them thought Bin-Ahmed was smiling at his own death, something they considered normal among criminals when they realize, there was no atom of hope to escape and so instead of dying in sorrow, they die in the opposite but Bin-Ahmed believed in something, entirely different, he knew he wouldn’t last long somehow in his confinement , his instincts had told him once more and maybe , his boys will come rescue him.

Mrs Williams was one of those who saw the capture of Bin-Ahmed as an unpleasant incidence. She was still in agony and rage about the failure of the military to rescue her daughter. Her daughter’s life was more important than the global applause, the country was receiving from all quarters about the capture of Al-hida’s leader. It was a dull morning to her for she hadn’t slept a bit. Each time she tried to take a nap, the picture of her daughter being chased by a group of masked men, she concluded was the Al-hida group shows up almost immediately and then, she Jerks to her feet. That will always tell her that her daughter wants to escape but she couldn’t and ended up caught again. She would tell her husband the dream repeatedly and her husband will constantly remind her that if she continued, she would end up being dead before her daughter eventually returns, but usually, the warnings fell on deaf ears.

“How can she come back when I kept on dreaming about the same thing. And your soldiers seem relaxed because of Bin-Ahmed’s capture “

“I promise, they have been relentless in this search and will continue. Every security personnel out there is looking for her. The capture is nothing till our daughter is found”

“Well, it doesn’t seem so. It’s almost six days since her capture. Do you know what those monsters could have done to her? They rape women, girls, kill people and burn them alive, destroy churches and buildings. It’s taking too long darling, you have to do something”

“You are already like this, trying to starve yourself and avoid getting sleep. Look at you, you are like a shadow in the evening, only that yours is in the afternoon, mourning as it she is dead already. What then happens if she really dies, then you go round naked in public like a mad woman who just discovered that she had gone nutty.”

“How do you expect me to be, she was my last child and only girl since I was diagnosed of cancer and had a hysterectomy performed to remove my uterus. Tell me?”

“She is my daughter too and my precious jewel. We have Bin-Ahmed, that’s a big step in the right direction honey. We will torture him and then, he will give up her whereabouts”

“No, it isn’t a big step in the right direction. Do you think he would give up so easily when he knows he has nothing to lose. Death will be knocking at his door.”

“You have to be positive and optimistic, that’s what situations like this demand from us. Now please, take your bath, freshen up, eat and get some sleep. Evelyn won’t spend another forty-eight hours more in her captivity”, he opined and took her into his arms. He had been very supportive of her since Evelyn got missing and made sure he always was there to alleviate her from the sorrow since the only member of his family not present with them was his son, who was abroad.

President Ajuwa Williams placed a call the next day to the military base Grand Commanding Officer, Brigadier Solomon , asking Bin-Ahmed to be tortured till he gave up his remaining allies and his daughter. Bin-Ahmed was strong-willed and endured all forms of torture, he made up his mind to die for his members, Ajuwa Williams was contacted again to be informed of Bin-Ahmed’s non-compliance and refusal to submit, He took a flight that day and arrived at the base with his personal security guard, few hours later to administer his own kind of torture, when it seemed not to work, he resolved into negotiations, his freedom for the safety of his daughter which the unimpressed brigadier reluctantly agreed, suggesting it was unwise and would lose their goal and bid in the UN security Council and would be made a laughing stock when they realize we are weak and incapable of rescuing your daughter and thereby, exchanging the life of a terrorist to a civilian.

“I don’t care about the publicity. It’s my daughters life we are talking about. It is perfect for you to think that way because it isn’t your daughters life at stake. Am the president and we are hoping with the proposal”

Bin-Ahmed whose face and body was covered with lacerated varicose ulcers was led out of the torture room into another room, with three chairs, two of them opposite the other and a table separating them. Bin-Ahmed sat in the lonely one and Ajuwa Williams sat opposite while the Brigadier, opted to stand.

“We would like to trade you for the life of my daughter. If you agree to this, you will be granted pardon and become a free man. Every single charges of terrorism will be dropped against you”

Bin-Ahmed shifted his gaze from the pleading Ajuwa Williams to the standing examining Brigadier and back to the President, spat on their faces and chuckled.

“To hell with your insanity. You are desperate and came with a proposal, so stupid. Do you think I care about life, Death is only a shortcut to my heavenly rewards for my duties here on earth. You think, your daughter will be raped and molested to death like the rest of the dead women It had happened to? She will and will be cut in several pieces fir her unclothedness to be viewed in public “, Ajuwa Williams rose in rage, slapped him hard thrice on his face and gave him a right darted punch on his eye socket, blood gushing out from it. He left without saying a word but gestured with his hand to the Brigadier to take him to the inner cell different from his former cell. The inner cells were the dirtiest and most disgusting of them all and had the same weather all the time for no light, not even the sun rays penetrated into the dark dull atmosphere.

The vehicle halted finally, when they realized that they had misled their pursuers into thinking, they were in Moguil. They no longer made a stop there as planned because they knew they would be trailed and so, decided to stop for a while at one of their hideouts in Moguil, in order to change their outfits and change vehicle. They journeyed for another day and made a stop at Iragulu State, another neighbouring state by the east. It was night, the period they loved traveling and stopping and the hideout was very remote. They all dropped off, Rogers was the first, apparently tensed so much about what to do next even when asked by Al-Amin and others, he simply told them he was bereft of clues and Bin-Ahmed was in a hell filled with soldiers that they just couldn’t overpower unless, he assembles all of the Al-hida group in the region. He assumed they must have taken him to Moguil military base, which was the closest of them all. Evelyn was taken inside, still blindfolded and had her hands tied but could hear every utterances they made. The inside was dark, fallow and void. One couldn’t make a good capture of the inside that much. Every little sound made echoed, that accounted for its emptiness. The captors knew their ways around, having been in a similar place like that multiple times. Kamal lit a small lantern and took it to the room where Evelyn stayed, that revealed, there was a table and a stool. Kamal placed the lantern on top of the table and was about to take his leave when Evelyn called him back shouting.

“Am hungry and thirsty. Do you want me to die of dehydration and starvation? I will be of no use to you then if I give up the ghost”. Kamal didn’t retaliate by hitting her which he would have done on a normal circumstance, he was to occupied by a bigger problem than she just shouting for food and water. It had been two days since they last fed her, all due to the unwanted prolonged journey.

“I will get you some food but never shout at us again or your mouth will be cut off “, he responded with a threat and exited. Rogers remained on the same spot as he was since dropping off for the past two hours. It was 1.30 am and sleep seemed to have eluded him. He was racking his head for a possibility of rescuing Bin-Ahmed. Binani too couldn’t sleep as well, engrossed in the same thought as Rogers and so, decided to be outside for a while to clear his head. He took with him a bottle of gin and a packet of cigarettes, surprised to see Rogers still outside.

“You haven’t slept yet”, Binani said astonishingly. Rogers said the same thing out of surprise and they both concluded, they couldn’t sleep. Binani was closest to him as Rogers was to Bin-Ahmed. Got initiated the same day, entered University the same day but Rogers was the more intelligent one, a great manipulative person and so, his rank was higher than he but never at one time, did it affect their friendship.

“Bin-Ahmed is still out there. Someone has got to rescue him and it’s our sole responsibility and burden to do so. I just don’t know how”

“You will figure it out somehow am sure. Nothing is impossible with you remember. You want some”, he offered Rogers his packet of cigarettes and he handpicked two, got one lit and supported it with the bottle of gin which was his favourite combination. His phone beeped afterwards and he answered, after wondering who it might be.

“Rogers speaking “

“Have you got a plan yet”

“Who are you? “

“Alhaji “

“Not yet Alhaji but we are on it and will get him out, I promise. “, he said after realizing it was Alhaji Saheed.

“Then act fast like you mean it. You waste anymore time and he is tried and killed and we will be losing a valuable asset or he spills everything about us all and are doomed. The ball is in your court. Save him now when you can or kill him when it’s too late to rescue”, he hung up.

Rogers was more at sea than the way he was initially, he just wouldn’t give up rescuing his ex-roommate and boss. He would never kill him for no reason if when it seemed impossible for him to be rescued, even if it means spilling through blood of every soldier in the country. With so much furiousity in his red eyes, he smashed his mobile phone on the ground. Binani knew what went wrong and never endeavored to ask him. Their overall boss had threatened him to do something against Rogers will and that angered him. Alhaji Saheed’s eyes was everywhere, watching them in his imaginable television screen. He knew everything and couldn’t be manipulated. Suddenly, Rogers face beamed with cheeky smile, progressing into a big uncontrollable laughter. Binani looked at him strangely.

“What are you laughing about? “

“I have a plan. We will rescue Bin-Ahmed soon”

***********



The pressure on Ajuwa Williams was tremendous. Bin-Ahmed didn’t consent to his proposal, Evelyn was still in confinement and the worst possible scenario was that his wife was terribly sick and was in Apex house clinic. For two days, he was absent from office to stay in the hospital to take care of his wife whom recovered after a week. He was in so much stress that he was diagnosed of High Blood Pressure. This further kept him away from country affairs for some period. He wouldn’t give up on his daughter, he knew she was still alive and believed in her miraculous escape.

Chief of Army Unit had passed an order for every soldier, guarding the cell of Bin-Ahmed in Moguil should be replaced every week. Brigadier Solomon saw to it that it was properly implemented. The reason was obvious, they wanted to avoid any kind of compromise and relationship with Bin-Ahmed, knowing he could offer a form of bribery to them to foster his escape and so, were very careful of him and the need to keep him there till his hearing two weeks time, where he will be transferred to Abuja. Some of the new recruits had already arrived, a selection was made on a routine bases on who’s turn it was to guard and then, when it clocked 7 days, they become replaced again. They were given one instruction, to prevent Bin-Ahmed from escaping and if he does and seen anywhere, he should be shot. The new recruits were the fourth batch to be recruited in another exercise. However, one of the soldiers, who was on duty was particular to Bin-Ahmed. He bore the same recognition with someone he knew from his past, very close to his heart and at that moment, he couldn’t reminisce. His saviour were the letters on the left side of his uniform which, he comprehended was his name. It was written as Ibrahim W. His mind only thought of one person, his dead mentally unbalanced brother. It couldn’t be a coincidence, he thought that he rose from the dead or has his spirit reincarnated into another human flesh that bore the same identity and appearance as he. He was dead even if, his body wasn’t found, it was convincing the building crushed him into pieces and made him totally unrecognizable. He rebuked the thoughts and stated that it was a sign he was going soft. The thoughts arose in him to weaken and break him and that wasn’t he needed at the moment. But it kept coming to him, the more he looked at him, wander from place to place with his helmet, hiding some part of his forehead. He came nearer to the gate of his cell and called the name on his uniform softly. Ibrahim answered, looked at him for a moment and turned away, realizing it was he calling. The second calling of his name got his full attention, the voice was so familiar to him and very particular. Once, he turned, gazed at Bin-Ahmed and got closer to his cell, not very close but not too distant either from the point where he could hear everything he says. They were face to face now and Bin-Ahmed was beginning to get convinced.

“Ibrahim, it's that really you? “, he asked. The compassion he never had before or perhaps, he hadn’t felt for a long time overwhelmed in Toto. He believed, he was alive and not dead. He didn’t die under the collapsed building. He was beginning to smile a bit but Ibrahim’s face had turned into a frown.

“Do you think am stupid and unintelligent to realize that you are a psychopath. You want to break me into complying with you to be your friend , beguile me into allowing you escape. Shut up and be quiet this minute or will be forced to blow your brains out. Don’t ever call my name again “, he warned and continued to pace back and forth. Bin-Ahmed released his grip on the gate and went back inside. His mind was playing with him. He wasn’t his brother or perhaps, Ibrahim doesn’t recognize him or his voice anymore, doesn’t recognize that the renowned Bin-Ahmed was Tafa, his church freak brother turned terrorist. For the first time, he was defeated inwardly, the love for his brother had broken him finally. Ibrahim looked healthy and wasn’t the poor delusional boy always going to the clinic when he is out of control. He sat, turned to face the wall and cried silently.

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CHAPTER TWELVE




Uneasiness and unnerved feelings began to encroach to the lives of the government and the people , so much that the news of huge numbers of sacked workers in the 8 am news was appalling. So much attention had been given to the defense sector and other security agencies, so much that other sectors began to dilapidate. Monthly allocations, going to other sectors was continually cut on order to fund the allocation for the defense and security that occupied about 65% of the monthly allocations, thus prompting the retrenchment of workers across various sectors in the mini economic crisis.

The president was amazed by the latest fiasco of a caricature, he was made of by the Al-hida group leader, jumping into their snare when he himself thought he had nabbed them by the truce he had with him. He blamed himself for taking the rational decision, if only he didn’t allow the feelings, he had for his daughter overwhelm his judgements and cloud his thinking but he mutually acted what anyone could have done in his shoes, irrespective of anything. If there was an iota of chance for her to be saved, he would have indulged in it. That was exactly the same feelings of regrets the Defense Chief had for the dead soldiers. If only he wasn’t insensitive to what the dead troops had told him about it being a trap and blinded by what was there, while it wasn’t, his troops would have been saved. If only he wasn’t blinded by the “big picture” of the praise of men in rescuing Evelyn Williams and capturing the leader, Bin-Ahmed, then he would have become a somewhat happy man instead of thinking of the numerous blood she’d of his men in his hands. It was a false decision undoubtedly, he had made and even when told he made a good decision and took a great risk, he yelled at them and said it was all false and Bluff.

“I lost some good number of innocent men there as a result of my misled calculations. “, he would say. He grew increasingly vexed, infuriated and enraged each time, he remembered the deed. Each time, they were made to believe they had come up with a plan that was considered a winning formula but at the end, it became the opposite. They weren’t winning the war against terror but instead, lost more resources and human capital.

The Security Chiefs were all seated in the meeting room silently. They were expecting some good news about the whereabouts of Evelyn Williams. He had ordered every troop in every state to embark on a mission in stopping two vehicles with the number plates;31884 and 31553 respectively. Those were the two vehicles they hijacked from hafsat street. They silence became ruptured by the call they got from the military base in Moguil State.

Bin-Ahmed and his men rode in absolute silence as they journeyed to Moguil State. His men there had prepared a secret spot where the hostage could be kept, different from their hideout. The road was unsurprisingly, devoid of any checkpoints, and Bin-Ahmed started to feel giddy about it. He expected the same numerous checkpoints as before. Perhaps, nothing was eureka after all, but most times, his instincts was always his messiah. He sat in the second vehicle, along with Evelyn and Rogers took the steering wheel. Evelyn was still tied, but not which chains anymore but with a thick rope to allow some form of freedom. She looked worn out by everything and constantly, gazed at the Savage Bin-Ahmed who was wiping the dust of his gun and refilling it with bullets. She began to ponder in her mind why he became so dangerous. In her theory of life, human beings weren’t born to kill or murder fellow humans, instead something tragic must have triggered the bad side of them and transformed them into this. That was what she thought about Bin-Ahmed, someone who had a purpose but lost it due to the he tragic factors, one who was in a straight path before diverting to a crooked road. She could fathom all these in his eyes even when it wasn’t obvious to see.

“Why did you kidnap me? Why do you have me as your hostage? “, she asked while still gazing at his cleaning.

“Am not obliged to tell you anything and you just keep your mouth shut”, Bin-Ahmed replied bluntly.

“My father has done nothing to deserve this maltreatment. He is a good man, a kind-hearted leader”

“Question him about that. He is not any of those but an egocentric slowpoke, with predators and scavengers in his cabinet. Why all these irrelevant statements when you are meant to start saying your final prayers”

“Am not going to be dead, if that’s what you presume. God doesn’t forsake the righteous “

“Oh, you of little faith, I have been in that hopelessness of hope once. I was born a believer and believe you me, He is deaf to your prayers, blind to your faith “

“He isn’t and you all will account for it someday. He is hoping to wipe you from the surface of the earth if you don’t all surrender to the government and then, to God”

“Shut up”, he raised his dagger to hit her in petrification, but restrained himself.

“I was instructed to keep you alive. I can see you have the audacity and effrontery to exhibit your baseless faith in some kind of force, people believe put forward the existence of this world. You think He can save you from our clubs and tortures “

A huge bump, like something hitting them sounded from the back, causing disorderliness and imbalance among them. Bin-Ahmed looked ahead and saw they were close to a guarded checkpoints, shooting them mercilessly. This was what his instincts had told him earlier and the day he decided to disobey it and trust his ammunition and entourage of men, he fell into their arms. The armoured regiments behind continued bumping into them and the men in the front continued shooting. They knew they were under an attack. Infantrymen shot at them with their rifles.

“Don’t shoot anymore, the hostage maybe be wounded in one of those vehicles “, the leader, had ordered them, in order to get Evelyn safe. They weren’t sure the vehicle she was inside and that accounted for the order. Their plan was to get Bin-Ahmed and his men to that checkpoint, surround them and get Evelyn out from them but they were wrong and when they stopped shooting from the front, Bin-Ahmed ordered Kamal, Binani and the rest of them to start cease fire. They knew the soldiers wouldn’t shoot because of the hostage and the plan to clear them at the checkpoint, drive the soldiers at the back into their hideout where the rest of Al-hida members where and start another cease fire. Bin-Ahmed ordered them ahead of him to sideline the vehicle, get their guns and launchers, pick a good spot and shoot. The soldiers at the checkpoint were all cleared out, so as four of Bin-Ahmed’s men too. The vehicle was somewhat damaged bit could still move a considerable amount of distance. The remaining survivors of Al-hida, then focused their shooting at the ones at the back, Bin-Ahmed’s opened the door of his own vehicle, told Rogers to cover for him while he led Evelyn to the other vehicle in front. Rogers was slightly wounded but Evelyn was safe in the second vehicle, which was the most paramount. Bin-Ahmed returned to continue exchanging fire with them while he ordered Kamal to lead Rogers and the rest away to the other vehicle and get away from the vicinity.

“That is suicide, you can’t win alone against them, they must have ordered for more backup”

“I was trained for this Kamal. Someone has got to hold them back and that should be me. You don’t get to decide for me”

“No, am not crazy they should go. I have ordered for more of our men to come”

“Are you in charge here or me? Who gave you the order to order for more? Let me not remind you the consequences of disobedience and lack of proper conduct. Go, go and tell them not come”, Kamal obeyed and drove off while Bin-Ahmed held the soldiers with his perfect shooting. There was no point of losing more men, Bin-Ahmed had calculated that the soldiers will request for more and his men wouldn’t stand up against a regiment. Bin-Ahmed went on till he ran out of cartridges, he then opted to run to his left, where a bush was but shot in the leg twice. He managed to crawl but was late, the soldiers caught up with him, dragged his body along the soil when they saw he wasn’t dead yet.

“Don’t shoot him anymore”, restraining the soldiers from further shooting”

“We need him alive”

“Why don’t you just kill me at once and let the whole case be at bay”

“No, you must answer for the war you have put this country to”

“You bastards, I was giving you the easiest of all options and now, you want to try me in court. You are not going to get hold of me for long. I swear that”

“We shall see about that”, they stripped him of the knives at his possession, dragged him into one of the tanker, the backup they had requested and left. The others went into the hunt for the second vehicle, containing Evelyn.


The battle has just begun.

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CHAPTER ELEVEN CONTINUES




The president arrived in the early hours of the next morning, non-expectantly due to the fact that his daughter’s kidnap was a worldwide broadcast in his visiting country. It was a shock and therefore, had to short-cut his stay at Gambia. Through his spokesman, he quickly summoned the all police and other security Chiefs on an emergency security meeting at the Apex house. It was time for the group to be finally wiped out even if it means investing all his resources in the fight but that is what his foe wanted. To get distracted from his campaigns to focus on the current epidemic. The insecurity was over the board and the kidnap of his daughter had made everything more worse for him, something he couldn’t breed to digest even when in the meeting, frequently, he lamented about the situation, howled constantly at them and banged his fist against the oval table where they all kept their hands and the computers on top. He dismissed them by telling them to buckle up in the war against the Al-hida and find her daughter within forty-eight hours but then, something came up. The D.P.O called the Police Chief who have in turn, informed members of the table about an incoming video call from Bin-Ahmed. The president quickly assumed his sitting position and waited for the time he will receive the call. Few minutes later, the picture of Bin-Ahmed, a wild bearded looking animal surfaced on their screens.

“Good morning officers of the federal Republic and our honourable Excellency, Mr President. I need more introduction and am quite happy to see your smiling sorrowful faces. Miss Evelyn is safe, quite safe. “

“You vagabond. I will come and get you sooner than you can imagine. Don’t ever come close to her because if you do, I will make sure you are executed “, threatened Mr Ajuwa Williams.

“Like I said, Miss Evelyn is safe”

“Prove it to us”

They waited for a response. Miss Evelyn was pulled out from the background in a swivel chair to the screen, her mouth was sealed but still chained to the chairs heavily.

“As you can see, she is safe “

“Let me speak to her. I need to hear her voice”. The seal on her mouth was taken away, allowing her freedom to speak.

“Eve darling, are you okay?”

“Yes dad, I am not bad. Don’t ever listen to what they say or do anything they request. They are all going to pay for the innocent lives they have taken. Am not afraid to die for my country “, just then, her lips was sealed and was pushed back to the background. The president was emotional, too emotional to look at the screen again when his daughter, his biggest pride was no longer there. He loved her more than his life and would give up everything for her. He strove to look at the screen again, Bin-Ahmed had returned.

“What do you want? I want my daughter’s freedom “

“Hmmmm. I have known you to be a very kind not cunny kind of person, who was always ready to listen. I admire your qualities but you might want to debate on this one because it’s a huge price you will paying for the life of your daughter “

“What is the huge price? “, anxious of knowing.

“We want half of the Laram oil Basin “

“That is ridiculously absurd. I can’t give you half of what the country is known for its export and sustenance of the economy “

“Oh, which do you prefer? A mineral resource to the life of your daughter, a human? Do you think her life has a duplicate? Think about it and get back to me within thirty minutes “

“Wait”, Bin-Ahmed ended. Ajuwa Williams relaxed back on his seat and pondered over their request. The security Chiefs and advisers were still present but was unsurprisingly silence and perplexed about the call. In their years of serving, no one has been able to manipulate their senses and IQ more than Bin-Ahmed. When he asked about their opinions, contrasting answers were all picked by his ear.

“It’s a trap His Excellency, there is no motive in what he said. What will a terrorist group do with a request like that? “, said the chief of Defense Unit.

“Are they trying to be an independent state or what”, said the chief of Army Unit.

“If they wanted it all along, they would have stated it so”, said the Air force Chief.

“They aren’t sincere about this”, in chipped his security adviser.

“And what if you all are wrong? They maybe, have been communicating something to us in a language we do not comprehend. Maybe they wanted us to act first by striking a truce with them. Maybe, we have been missing it from day one”

“Sir, with your pardon, may I remind you we do not negotiate with terrorists. It’s the law we have always abided”

“There is always an exception for everything, adviser. Not this case, not this that could stop the blood shedding, bring back my daughter hale and hearty. “.

It was evident they had come to an inconclusive answer. Ajuwa Williams continued to ponder over everything that had been said by the security Chiefs. They maybe right to call it a trap, but there was no better choice to undertake. It was two more minutes before the call will go live again. He resolved he was going to take the risk but with a plan. When their location is discovered, they wouldn’t be following the normal route from the front only but from both the back that is from the exit to their location and from the front. That way, they would have no way escaping and would be entirely surrounded and caught and would be more need in fulfilling their end of the bargain.

“What is your verdict? “, Bin-Ahmed asked.

“We will go with your request in exchange for my daughter “

“Good. You know where to get her, find my location and she will be there standing and will wave at you when you arrive”, he ended. Ajuwa Williams himself, ordered and mobilized the troops at all the neighbouring cities of Sham, which was detected by the NIU, and which was Bin-Ahmed’s location to prepare to move in immediately. Once he tried to move out of the city, he will be captured.

More than three thousand troops in total were at all the exit. The soldiers stormed the village of sham, dispersing into different units as their strategy, to the north, east and west side. Sham village was densely populated and hilly , so it was difficult for them to scale through the crowd but they notified the villagers to stay indoors and every activity shut down for the time being. The soldiers never imagined the Al-hida group would be found among villagers when it was discovered this was their location. Definitely, they assumed someone must have seen them enter or any strange incidence. They broke into small units, some questioned the villagers while the rest went into the search for Miss Evelyn. With every question raised, the villagers state they saw nothing. They were mostly illiterate, so they communicated more in their native Hausa language. Something was eureka that they haven’t found yet. There were a lot of bushes as they continued to advance. They have walked nearly more than a mile and were yet to detect the presence of the standing Miss Evelyn, nor gotten an information about the capture of the group in the guarded exits. They continued however till they stormed a lonely segregated building hidden among trees. The rest of the dispersed teams also arrived at that exact point but it looked like the building had been evacuated. Audio signals from the NIU department and compass suggested they were in the vicinity by the continuous red blinking of the compass and moreover, the widely publicised blue van was parked. Reaching for the door which was unlocked, the sitting room was empty, with the exception of cigarettes and spirits scattered on the floor and some scraps of wood. The whole building was searched and the presence of no one was still detected.

“We have searched everywhere, still no sight of them”, communicated one of the soldiers through a device on his uniform.

“Keep searching, there should be there somewhere. All systems hasn’t detected any strange movement before you all arrived”.

At once, a scout was sent ahead of them to survey the area. One place was still unsearched, with a binoculars, they could see a house on a hill side that looked like a store house. They all rushed inside, searched everywhere and found nothing except with a computer on a table. The scout returned, with some kind of negative expression on his face.

“I found no one. I got a call that one of our troops were found dead on hafsat Avenue.”

“What? How come? How did it happen”

“It was a hijack”, the scout answered.

They heard something beep, like a timer. They traced the bright beeping light to a timer at the back of the computer. It had been activated and at that juncture, they realised, they had been fooled into their snare. They ran as fast as they could but it was late, the explosion sounded and all the troops present were blown up. The NIU lost connection with them, tried to fix it back but they couldn’t. The Defense chief knew all wasn’t well and when they connected with the troops at one of the exits to move in, they reported that they were dead from a bomb explosion. The Defense Chief ordered all of the remaining troops at the exit to ransack everywhere possible.

Meanwhile, Bin-Ahmed and his men had gone past the major checkpoints in military outfits, stripped from the soldiers they killed on the Avenue and was close to Moguil state instead of the agreed Taglu. Five hours earlier, they were hidden in the bush with Evelyn, they somehow, knew the soldiers will definitely move through that way. Bin-Ahmed had spotted the first three vehicles with his binoculars from where he hid, allowing them pass, and distant from each other. When the fourth came by, Bin-Ahmed signaled Kamal into releasing a black trampoline, twice the size the normal, hung on two shrub trees across the road connected. The trampoline covered their views and immediately, Rogers and Binani, sat on the branches where they had a good spot to aim with their snipers shot at them and killed them all. They exchanged their dresses with the soldiers and left in their vehicle with Evelyn at the back.

I want so sincerely thank everyone that read and liked my book, the Angel and the Fugitive in the Akukom writing competition. My book has been nominated for the final round. I still need your likes and comments to win. Please, click on the link and like and drop your comments. Once again, thank you all.

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The story continues here on Nairaland tomorrow

nastynic:
Spectacular
Lovely
Interesting
Alluring
Chic
Nice
Wonderful Story Bruh
Please Keep up The Good work,
More cash nd Strength Bruh
Sorry for not contacting you since then, I was sent by ma Dad to do Something in One Hell Hole called Lafia...

LOL.. No problem man. So nice to see your moniker again and thanks for the compliment

CHAPTER ELEVEN



Miss Evelyn Williams was a beautiful young woman of vision, an entrepreneur, a philanthropist seeking for the betterment of women, widows and orphaned children. Her foundation, Hope Foundation has given countless number of children, the hope to be educated, empowered many women and widows with physical cash and loan with repayable and flexible non-interest rate payment and indulged in charitable works. She was in her late twenties and taunted as the mother of the homeless. Her scheduled conference at the town hall was to raise some donations from kind women and men to fund the completion of her Specialist Oncology Center, for the treatment of cancerous women and children and a free Medical Diagnostic Center.
Due to her arousing charms and beauty, many wondered why she was still single. On numerous disclosed interviews, she noted that vividly, she hasn't found her companion, a match that she would say yes to and spend the rest of her life with.
“Love isn't so easy to come by, but noticeable when it comes. You just know you have found the right person and that was her statement. Oftentimes, doubts and conclusions were made that she wasn't ready yet to be walked down the aisle because she was so devoted to her philanthropic activities that she would turn down any man who wasn't supportive of it. She rebuked those doubts and stated the reasons were that it wasn't her that was the problem, she instead, had tried but it always ended up been a disaster. The relationships never lasted because no man was able to cope with the load on her head and withdrew automatically. It was clear she placed so much values on her work more than anything.
The conference was attended by powerful men and politicians. Security was the tightest and prior to the day of the conference, every invitee had an ID specially made for them since, it wasn't a conference to be attended by all, those invited had that ID that must be submitted before allowed entrance, and then re taken when prepared to leave. Every car parked was properly scrutinized to avoid any attachment of explosives driven into the premises. The hall was getting filled as people continued to troop in black and brown suits. Few minutes later, it began with the MC, welcoming all that was present except with some surprised absentees that didn't indicate their presence. It barely went for a few minutes extra when the lights went off in a sudden manner, raising a few murmurs but they were calm when told it was a slight power shortage. The sound of a bomb explosion in quick succession caused a whole new level of commotion. They were told by the security personnel to evacuate the premises through the second exit that it had been compromised. It was the same exit that three security personnel lead Miss Evelyn out from, few minutes before they were trailed by the rest.
Outside was covered in a thick cloud of smoke. It looked impossible to take a glance across the street. Evelyn pointed to the direction her car was parked when she saw they headed otherwise but instead, they continued silently.
“Where are you men taking me to? ", she asked and when it was obvious to her that it looked more like a kidnap than rescue, she tried to restrain from their grip but she couldn't and was hit on the head by one of their fists when they couldn't put up with her questioning. She collapsed in their hands, along they took her into the van, parked two streets across and sped off.
“4159,I repeat 4159 a bomb blast has just occurred in the town hall, I repeat a bomb blast has just occurred, hostages down," the security officials communicated through their walkie-talkie. The fire service team rushed in through their heavy painted red truck, together with the National Emergency Unit team to rescue trapped hostages. It continued that way till the rescue was concluded. Not Everybody wasn’t alive, some were already dead by the time help met them. To the security officials astonishment, Miss Evelyn’s SUV was still parked, the same way it had been when it halted. Pandemonium broke out after their discovery, no one was inside the car. NEU workers immediately were contacted to identify the rescued hostages to see if Miss Evelyn was amongst them, but they concluded otherwise, her body was missing.

“What? She never left the vicinity, her car is still parked over there. Keep searching, she must have been trapped under somewhere “, one of her real security guard who was pulled out of the scene before the blast happened retorted. After about thirty minutes of extra search, NEU workers verified that her body wasn’t found. It occurred to them that only one thing could be possible, the perpetrators of the blast has abducted her and that accounted for her disappearance. They needed to verify though if she reached her home, the Apex house. It was contacted and then, their assumptions were discredited, they verified that she never came home. The police Chief of Abuja Police Department was contacted about the missing lady and he grew furious over the phone ;

“What? You were meant to always be by her side. What the hell where you at?

“Sir, we were called out from our duty to a checkpoint on the instructions that there was a bomb scare”

“Who made that call? “

“Our men at raleck checkpoint. The called for backup but we saw no one”

“Damn, it was a setup, a trap to lure you all out of your duty post. All road blocks should be checked, every corner of the street, buildings should be properly scrutinized” “Yes sir”.

The Police Chief took his keys from the table and his gun and walked out of the office. He needed to head to the Apex house to conduct a little investigation.

Mrs Williams had dialed the number of her daughter for the third time and each time, it was disconnected and this made her worrisome. She had heard the news of the explosion and wanted to know if her only daughter was safe. Prior to the calls, she tried reaching out to find out how her fund raising conference went. Evelyn had told her that it would take about four hours but it was way more than that now. Everything contributed to her panic and distress and she became increasingly disturbed and paced in the façade of her gargantuan sitting room scarily, till the tall Police Chief met her.

“Good day Her Excellency”

“Officer Timi. How are you and work at the police”

“Fine Madame. You look distressed “

“It’s nothing. Just that I have been trying to contact my daughter and it always disconnected. To what do I owe this visit”

“It’s your daughter I have come to ask if you have spoken to her but since you have already stated the current state, I will just go ahead and tell you the news. “

“What is the news about? Is it about my daughter? “

“Madame, we are of a very strong conviction that she is missing as we speak. Her body wasn’t found among the hostages rescued by the NEU”

“That’s impossible “, she said in disbelief. She took up her phone once more and dialed the number, each time again repeatedly, it gave the same answer of disconnection. She dialed the number of the NEU to confirm herself. Then, she understood the police chief wasn’t fabricating.

“What? My daughter is missing. Missing among a plethora of armed men. “

“Madame, everything is under control”

“Nothing is under control here. Everything is in chaos. Now, my daughter is the latest victim of your security mishap. They have her there, those monsters of Al-hida have her”, said the troublesome tumultuous chubby woman in despondent, like every mother should be when their child is in danger.

“Madame, I just came here personally, knowing how you will feel about her disappearance, to feed you about our commitment and our relentless efforts to bringing her safely to you. I would want you to hear from me and the police and not from the press, that will broadcast the news any moment from now. She will be fine, I assure you “

“And what if I don’t get the chance to see her? What if she ends up dead before your team shows up”

“No Madame, you have to be optimistic. The Al-hida group don’t have the history of killing their captives instantly. That will give us time to search the perimeters of the state and possibly the country to find her”

“You better do find her before my husband gets back in the country from his visit. And I want the military involved in this one”

“Yes Madame but the severity has not gotten to the point of involving the Military ”

“I want everyone on this case or I call the chief of army unit personally “

“Yes Madame. Have a good day”, he left for his car and got a call from one of his men along.

“Any update”

“The abductors left in a blue van. The NIU were able to track through their system but was unable to find any other thing about their route”

“Okay, all of you should keep tabs on every blue van you see around the state. They shouldn’t have outside the shores of the state. Get your heads together and find those bastards”, he hung up.



Lost in a world of imagination, Evelyn finally awoke. The second van see was in had travelled through miles and was in the outskirts of the state, in Kaduchi. For a moment, she wondered if she was delusional or not. In her wildest dreams, she wouldn’t have thought she would be amongst some group of butchers, she mistook for her security guards. Her head ached so much from the hit. She opened her eyes further and realized she was in the dark, her hands were tied to something heavy, she felt it and noticed no one in the dark sight and the van was still in motion. She then, began barging her legs against the floor, hoping to scream but she couldn’t. Her lips were sealed with a cell tape and so, she gave up the struggle. The van slowly halted, she could detect till it finally came to a stop. Her heart leapt for joy for reasons that she would fully see the faces of her abductors and perhaps, the GPS on her phone could help the NIU track her location. The door slid open, paving way for much light to penetrate into her eyes from the torch. That was when it occurred to her that it was night already and must have slept for a very long time.

“Welcome Miss, this shall be your transient home for now”, Bin-Ahmed spoke, Binani and one other pulled her out of the van forcefully.

“Don’t get your filthy hands on me. Am very sure the police would come looking for you all”

“Take it easy in handling the lady. She is our guest”, referring to Binani and his partner.

“Hmmmm, the police can’t, am sorry. If you are hoping to use the GPS on your phone to get the attention of the police, well it’s not possible anymore because this location is encrypted and your phone has been disabled. Every camera here has been deactivated so , there is no way out. Your father is clueless, the government, the police, the military is. Your father must be devastated and afraid he would be next“

“No, he isn’t. He’s no coward, his bravery is unparalleled on the contrary “

“We will see about that. Pray it happens so“, he stroke her cheeks playfully, but received a spat on his face. He began to smile at her courage and gallantry.

“You seem so strong-hearted and willed. I bet you won’t survive the torture of thirty minutes. Take her to the inner room and keep her mouth closed up, “ he ordered. The building wasn’t the fanciest of all buildings and was way uncompleted, one of their hideout in the state. Bin-Ahmed sat outside on the grass, strategizing of what next to do. Rogers came out of the building, he knew his soul mate wasn’t in and wanted to know what troubled him. He brought out a pack of cigarettes to smoke and offered Bin-Ahmed one, which he rejected. It was unlikely for one who was a heavy smoker.

“I thought you were sleeping already”, Bin-Ahmed said surprisingly.

“I thought you were too”, Rogers said, sitting close to him. “what is troubling you? “

“Just thinking of what to do next, you know. I was told not to harm her till I get further instructions “

“You definitely know, the police will be looking every nook and cranny to get her. This place is not entirely safe. We can’t continue to keep her here. ”

“That I know. The police will be looking for her. It wouldn’t be so nice to move directly to Taglu. We will be burnt out from the journey. Besides, we will be trailed because we were monitored right from the point of the town hall. Their systems are upgraded. We needed to make this stop to divert attention. Our encryption won’t hold on for long before it will be cracked open. I have a plan. “

“Okay, if you say so. We believe in your leadership. Have a good night rest”, Rogers left him to continue to ponder over his thoughts.

To be continued tomorrow

Please, today is the last day for the Akukom writing competition and I still need your likes and comments for your favorite book the Angel and the Fugitive to win. Please, clock on the following links to like and comment.

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CHAPTER TEN



The quagmire continued, men and women were all thrown into a panic about the number deaths recorded so far from the bombings and killings. The bitter fact was these people were innocent and perished for sins they never committed. The killings and bombings by the Al-hida group had reached an unprecedented high. The Northwest geopolitical zone, which was thought to be the most affected region and hideout of the group was an illusion and only a tip of the ice berg. The group had spread to other parts of the country and it was becoming impeccably difficult to contain them, every second that elapse for they were everywhere at the same time and like the wind, they blow wherever they will. The wreckage had caused an anarchy already, a disarray Governor Tunde Oyim had predicted along with the others who all thought the same thing, the government had become a colossal failure in the eyes of the governed. The anarchy had led to several institutions, parastatals and Ministry of Women Affairs into promulgation of various women of all ethnicity to a two-day nationwide protest for the dead women advocates, on the dissatisfaction and voicing of low confidence in the Government in respect to the sorry current insecurity situation. The women were to match to various state government houses in demonstration with placards lifted, displaying their various unsatisfactory views in letters. They all considered the death of the women to be politically motivated, in order to silence their advocacy on involving more women in the politicking affairs of the country. Their break into the building gate was obstructed by the policemen, who regularly forced them to recede or be shots. The women of course were obstinate and declined to yield to the threats they considered “null and void “ and once again, pushed forward to break in. In as much, the policemen were baffled by their sheer determination and indulgence, they never lifted a gun at them. It would be catastrophic to do so, they reasoned and a full blown anarchy and destabilization will occur that may take the country to oblivion.

The protest continued the next day as the women returned, this time the men opined to join their wives in support. The president was greatly perturbed by everything and in a live broadcast, called on all the women to be patient and very hopeful that the inhumane insurgents would be crushed totally and tranquility restored. This came few hours after the Governors of each state had expressed their disappointments in the radicalism and terrorism going on, stated the plight of the people losing their loved ones was quite unbearable, haven’t been silent about it and reassured their commitments into dealing with it. None of the statements were of any calm in hope to them, instead spurred them on to continue the protest, if it meant shutting down all government establishments. The president’s speech neither gave them any form of optimism. They labelled his word as “empty“ and stated the above was his usual language and tone. The women weren’t willing to let go of the protest, they felt they had been continually deluded into believing something was okay when they weren’t, misguided and taken as caricatures because of their silence. The policemen had no option than to follow the orders of the Police Chief into releasing a tear gas to disperse the crowd, who engaged in chaotic run. On the run, the sound of twin bomb explosion was heard. The policemen spotted the location was at crossroad. The crowd ran even more, abandoning their placards and protest materials, littered on the road. The police were immediately alerted and called for backup, setting up road blocks at every crossroads and junctions. At olori junction, the policemen knew something was eureka, suddenly, a car sped past them in a flash, the policemen returned to their vehicles, alerting the rest at other junctions about an incoming yellow painted taxi car. None of them responded surprisingly and effort to reach them proved futile , soon, they heard the sound of a timer ticking when they were ready to take off, they stopped to search and realised a bomb was planted and had three seconds left. Before they could safely flee, it exploded and the four vehicles behind were all destroyed. The car that sped off contained some of the Al-hida members, some dressed like policemen and others, in a camouflaged military outfits.

The government, the following day sought the assistance of foreign aid in the combat against the terror after it was reported that one hundred and nineteen policemen had lost their lives in addition with approximately the same number of military personnel in Ogbo state of the south east dead in a space of two days in a combat with the terrorists. Ministry of Police Commission and the Ministry of Defense embarked on a nationwide mass recruitment exercise of about one million, two hundred thousand personnel across the federation, the highest ever recruited at once in seven years combine. This was to replace the dead ones and bolster security more for deployment with the imported weapons and tanks that will be at their disposal. The screening and interview were conducted and concluded in two weeks and immediately, the recruits were deployed to regions were they were needed the most. Serving military personnel of high ranks were promoted to higher ranks, same with the police, in a low key event, presented by the President. He charged the new recruits and the existing personnel to focus and have one purpose, safeguarding the country against terror and any uprising sect, declaring a man hunt for the terrorists. He also replaced majority of the Grand Officer Commanding of military bases in most states.
Bin-Ahmed's menace and popularity of Al-hida group grew tremendously, a heroic-villain, sung by people who believed in him and those who despised him as the worst creature unworthy of earth. His men had spread throughout the northern region and the South West, with few attacks in other regions and although, they were regularly killed in each designated attacks, they continued to recruit, triple times the amount of men they had lost to the soldiers from persecuting Christians, forcing them to give up their faith, join him or face execution. All the terrorists captured by the military never gave up their leader despite several interrogations and then, they face execution. The people that refused to be recruited, Bin-Ahmed used them to do suicide bombing. In his last raid, a church was holding an anniversary in Uwai state. Unexpectedly, in the power filled worship and praise, they invaded the church building with a bomb blast at the gate, killing eight security guards and in the compound. The congregation were severely scared, offering prayers in their native languages. They thought of it as stupid to escape when every entrance and windows were possibly guarded by one or two with a machine gun hung over their necks. The church senior pastor on the altar was the first Bin-Ahmed approached with a wicked smile on his face. The building was quiet, almost as quite as if nobody was present. When he told him to denounce his faith and follow him, which was his usual intro or face execution, the pastor spat on him and said he deserved to dine with the devil. He would only be a servant of the One who created and sent him and only Him alone shall he serve.
“Haha", Bin-Ahmed chuckled.
“I have heard that before and do you know what happens to them? They simply give up because later, they will realise it's all falsehood they have been deluded to believe. They discover their true self image and Forge ahead,realising also they had wasted a considerable amount of time. Nature has sympathy for no one, so as the One you believe who created it, the laws of the universe. You grab your destiny with your own hands and seize it, become the monster which nature has turned you into. I was once a believer, a devoted one who discovered his true destiny and never relented to grab it. You should do the same pastor and forgive me for the long sermon but I ask you again for the last time, in the presence of your frightful congregation. If you want to save them, denounce your faith and become me", Bin-Ahmed finished.
The pastor concluded everything he said was false and was only acting according to the principles of the devil. He gave the same answer that he was only answerable to his Maker. Bin-Ahmed took his knife and slit his throat in furiousness. Other pastors there was asked the same question and when they gave the same answer as the former, he slit their throats. On the altar, lay their lifeless bodies in cold blood and he made the sign of an “A” on them with their spilled blood. He made that sign whenever he or his members kill someone, they kill in the name of Al-hida. He moved to the congregation and told them the same thing, some denounced their faiths while some did not. Those that did claim to denounce their faith were looked in the eyes by Bin-Ahmed and given a gun to shoot those who clung to their faith. When he saw they hesitated, he took the gun away from them and say, “ you are not ready to become my disciple", and shoots at them. Only a few was able to shoot at their fellow members but they were still killed. They all closed their eyes while they shot, against his rule of shooting at them with their eyes opened. It was impossible as far as they were concerned. He spared the lives of those who still clung to their faith but not for long. They knew they would all be slain like chickens on his call but will die as martyrs.
“You are very lucky. I came here with the good side of me. I will have you all taken with me and given the very last chance of survival"
“Boss, she has refused to come with us", Binai alerted. Bin-Ahmed took a glance, she looked at him with so much affection and kept that stare for a long time, anticipating a reciprocal from the recipient but instead, he looked with so much of a vigour of anger for disobeying his orders. At once, she recognised the familiar face. He was her ex-church member.
“Tafa", she called his name. It was Rita. She and some members of her church together with one of the assistants were invited to the church for a two-day service programme.
“It's me Rita", she smiled at him but his response was awful and her smile was turned into an agony when she was slapped quadruple times on her cheeks, two on either sides. He didn't want to remember his older self, the destructive self, his ignorant self that led to the death of his family. Anyone who reminded him of his past, perhaps deserved death. He turned away from her, Rita's mind was as clear as the crystal. Tafa had been leading all the terrorist activities that had been happening. The monster she feared he was turning into, the rage had become a reality, in as much as she wished it were fantasies. Tafa couldn't recognise her as a friend anymore but as a captive under her captors. He was inhumane, a Savage, a stone-hearted devil who lacked conscience and brutal, a predator pouncing on his preys.
“Take her away and lock her with the others in the van. We are going to burn this church and everything in it down".
The captives were taken to an empty warehouse by their captors late in the night, dropping them off by two black vans that conveyed them from the church premises. They had their eyes blindfolded, perhaps, to have the road that led to their destination, unrevealed. It was a strange place to them after their blindfolds were lifted, each of them paraded on their knees and hands tied to their backs. They stayed for few hours and encroached into the far night in that manner, incapable of sleeping, talking and when they felt uneasy, they called on one of their captors by hitting the wall. They return shortly and remain in mutterings.
Bin-Ahmed slowly entered with a short gun and knife, tucked in his trouser. The clock read 2 a.m., in a cold morning. The captives were feeling almost freeze to death. Bin-Ahmed laughed at them pitifully about their resilience in holding to their beliefs in face of death. He repeated the same statement he had told them for the second time. Some of them were able to pick up the courage and those who did not every victims and were killed by the shooters eyes opened.
“Very stalwart of you. You have earned a place in my army", he appraised them. Everyone of them knew their fate almost at that instant except Rita still had her eyes closed and embedded in her mutterings. She was the only one left alive that wasn't yielding to his request.
“What do you want us to do with her? ", one of his subordinates asked. Practically, Bin-Ahmed's was indefinite about what to do with her. That was the first time he acted this way, not been able to pronounce judgement. He wanted to enact the same justice as he had done on others but instead, he was clear of it and left it in the hands of his men to decide her fate.
“Don't kill her but do whatever you want with her", he ordered them and left. It was quite surprising of him, they thought but thanked him after all for the gesture, they were going to enjoy the opportunity. Each of them unzipped their trousers and took turns in raping her. After they were done, they took her into the van and drove her to a place where her body was dumped. Bin-Ahmed got a call in their absence, they had an important mission to do in Abuja and will be leaving the following night. He called on all of them to give them an address and for them to get prepared.

To be continued on monday

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CHAPTER NINE



Rumours were quickly picked by the ears of the police chief of the state, Abati Isaac about the possibility of abduction of the women that visited the state. Police D. P. O, quickly swung into action by investigating when it was discovered it had been twenty-four hours since they were last sighted after efforts to reach them by several ministries, associates and friends proved abortive. Several Calls had been made to the police command from Women Affairs Ministry and other women NGOs to look into their whereabouts. The latest was the Governor calling the Police Chief ;
“What is the latest on the matter? "
“Sir, we still don't have any clue about their whereabouts but we are optimistic"
“No clue yet? It's been almost twenty-four hours and still you have nothing. They left my house and now they are nowhere. I will be held accountable for their safety, their disappearance, and now, an anarchy may spring up. Don't you get it ?"
“Sir, we assure you we have it under control". They only have a few hours before they make a public declaration about their abduction. Few minutes later, the D.P.O rushed in with a man, so nervous that sweats covered his forehead.
“Sir", he saluted. “A witness at the scene has come to make a statement ". It was the same driver that was driven by Aina and Gamaru at that night of incidence. He was taken to the interrogation room and there, he provided his name.
“What do you have to say?"
“I was there at the scene. I was their driver when we were approaching coyant street", he narrated the whole story to them.
“Why should we believe you? Your willingness to come to us. Prove to us you were the driver that night"
“I was driving a blue-black SUV, the women all sat at the back and were ignorant of what happened at the front, the blind separated the driver seat from the passengers'. They wore red, Navy blue, white and sky blue gowns respectively. Is it satisfactory". The Police Chief forwarded a call to the Governor for confirmation and when, he did confirm they wore the stated dresses, and driven in the blue coloured SUV, the chief assumed at once it was them, the terrorist group that had almost everyone under their radar. He decided to call on the Governor before the press.
Political campaigns continued. The defector, Vice President Mallam Bello Salaudeen became the opposition IPPN presidential Aspirant in what was predicted will be a keenly contested election. His supporters gathered at the Lankan square to vouch their support for him. His running mate senator Bode Samson was beside him all the time during the rally which was attended by all and sundry, each of them carrying and flying the green white yellow flag of the party. He mounted the stage and calmed the boisterous supporters by the gesture of his hand.
“It's a new moment for the country to have a deserved leader, worthy to lead the country out of her perilous situation. What is a country that cannot guarantee the security of the citizens? What is a country without defense? How can we have a booming economy, have investors coming when they know their safety and investment cannot be guaranteed? "he rhetorically questioned them in his native accent, the crowd yelled impossible.
“Security is the first responsibility of any Government and a Government that cannot be responsible should be removed from the Apex”, the boisterous crowd once again yelled his name and continued that way all through the rally.
Chuckling and watching the rally on TV in his home was Alhaji Saheed and Ex-vice president, Obinna Egwim, both seated on a settee in the former's sitting room.
“Haha, it's working. The heat is getting hotter and hotter by the day"
“Look at what he just said, throwing a jab at the government he helped to build"
“That is why the people will believe him. They need a man that will put the situation in black and white. The crowd out there is a testimony to that"
Suddenly, the broadcast changed into a breaking news about the abduction of the women in Taglu state in the hour of 8 pm, citing the possibilities that the women may have fallen into the hands of the rampaging terrorist group.
“It's them. My boys are at it again. Two separate broadcast, run by artistry. Now it is I who run the Government”, he boasted.
“What is next? "
“We continue to let the boys do their jobs till we all meet at the polls"
The Governor was visited by his security adviser and Police Chief early the next morning at his house. It was nearly thirty-six hours since the disappearance of the four women. The Governor had tried to use unorthodox ways of finding their location but it proved abortive. He panicked under his shivering skin when the two men entered at once.
“Have you anything yet? "
“No, I carried out my regular street surveillance, no one seemed to know anything", his security adviser spoke.
“I don't want to believe this incidence is happening. The first reported case of kidnap in this state and no one has a clue about these women. Why are all these happening? My state is the latest victim of this ongoing peril. It's far too shameful"
“Sir, we will get to the bottom of it. We just need a little more time"
“There is no time anymore. The blood of these women if dead are in my hands. You don't understand, do you? " He kept pacing, once or twice and had been in that mood all through the morning, refusing to take a seat. He got an upcoming call from an unknown I.D and rushed to receive it.
“Governor Tunde Oyim speaking"
“Your Excellency, it's a honour to speak with the number one person in this state"
“Who are you? "
“I think you should already know that but if you don't, it's my privilege to officially introduce myself in this state. I am Bin-Ahmed, the leader of the most popular terrorist group in the country, Al-hida"
“How did you get me and what do you want? "
“Welcome, first of all, I am everywhere without letting you know and secondly, those beautiful women, you ransacked everywhere for are in our hands"
“Why should I believe you? "
“Turn on your TV and you will be live with them". The governor quickly rushed to switch the TV on, ignoring the questions, thrown at him by the two visiting men. The four women were partially stripped of their dresses, only their undies separated them from their nudity. They were tied to a chair, their mouths enclosed in a cell tape being molested by group of masked men. Unsurprisingly, Tunde Oyim was more relaxed than thought, perhaps, with their location known, a rescue would be possible.
“You see, my men got them abducted at your expense. I think you should be grateful, they aren't dead. At least , that means we still have some conscience, don't you think? "
“Am in no mood for your chit chat. I don't want them hurt."
“Well, they are a little bit hurt, not to the point of not talking though but they will if you don't come within the next thirty minutes to get them"
“No, we should have a little more time to negotiate this. Name your price in place of the ladies"
“Do you really consider us as beggars? We want nothing from you. The time starts now. Twenty-nine minutes", the video ended. Tunde Oyim stood stunned with the rest of his visitors. These people were politically motivated and did their nefarious activities, not for money but for their political gods and their selfish interests to whom were still unknown. He forwarded a call immediately to the state defense to track the location of the call and relate the information within the next ten minutes.
“Sir, it may take longer than that if their location is encrypted"
“I don't care, do as I say", he yelled at him and ended the call.
“What do you plan to do Your Excellency? ", the security adviser asked.
“Exactly what you heard me say, I find their location and the mobile police squad comes in no time"
“I hope this isn't so risky. I mean, the lives of those women"
“What are your alternatives? This is the only viable option we have. Luckily, before the time elapsed, we get those women to safety and we get hold of Bin-Ahmed and his group". Another call came from Bin-Ahmed once again and he answered immediately.
“It's not time yet"
“What do you think you are trying to cook up with? Finding my location and surprising me with your raid. The time is ticking, ten minutes left", he hung up.
“How did he find out our plans"
“He must have had a mole in the defense tell him or tampered with the security system. Our plans would be in jeopardy if we don't get his location". Eight minutes passed and when he was told there weren't able to locate the either location, few minutes later after the elapse, Bin-Ahmed called back.
“I knew you would fail, caliber of men like you bit more than they can chew and incapacitated. Look at the TV once again"
Their undies were finally torn, exposing their nudity one after the other.
“Do you all remember the promise I made about a grand celebration? "they yelled in confirmation.
“Well, pick anyone of your choice and leave her in rags and pieces, but first, I will open the floor", he unzipped his trouser, moved to the first, went inside her in and out in quick succession till she collapsed to death. His subordinates screamed his name loud and followed suit till they all were raped to death.
“This is a total shame, disgusting to the zenith"
“I hope you all enjoyed the show. Come pick up their dead bodies and give them a proper burial at least. More still to come. Till when next we chat again", the public broadcast ended. Tunde Oyim went back to his swivel chair and scattered everything on his table, broke his framed picture on the wall and everything hanging in rage. His administration was in a hell of a quagmire situation at the moment, he lost insight on how to handle it.

Please, don't forget to like and comment on my story in the ongoing competition. I will be indebted to you guys if I win. Click on the links.

https://akukom.com/the-angel-and-the-fugitive-chapter-6-7/

CHAPTER EIGHT CONTINUES


“Oh, yeah. We have quite a number of angelic guests. They say beauty beholds the eye and I can see that quite vividly. Good job Aina and you too Gamaru. Your first mission was successful"
“Thank you boss", both chorused. Aina and Gamaru were new members which according to the rule must successfully complete their mission to fully become a member of Al-hida. The women fully knew what they were up against, they have become victims of the dangerous terrorist group, that had caused a havoc and still causing in the country. Their previous conclusions was now a theory, this group were financed by the government to kidnap them.
“I can see that stupid Man up there, still deserved to be praised after all for his dexterity in his craft. Sorry for the way you must have felt but we would like you to be our wonderful feel get company. It's not a plea or a request but if you don't want to comply, then, it depends on your lives"
“What do you want from us? We know you all are financed by the Government"
“On the contrary, the Government are our foes. They are the problem not you. They are full of gluttony, ridiculous and mean towards humans. So you see, we are only using you as a bait against them. Some consequences may arise though", he whirled around them in slow motion while he spoke.
“And what are they? "
“If the Government doesn't rescue you in the time we set and doesn't yield to our demands, we will use you for our supper but if they do fine, you go. Pray, your loyalty and hard work isn't going to be in vain. We will see if your lives are of importance to them or not."
Rogers led them inside, bound them in chains and shackles forcefully into the four chairs that was in a spider infested room, an uncomfortable place not even deemed for a chicken to reside. It would be a day of tales to tell when they actually escape from the dungeon alive.

Hello readers of the Angel and the Fugitive, this book is currently in a competition and needs your likes and comments to win top prize. I will keep to my promise of posting here on Nairaland but I need you all to help me win this. The links are below

CHAPTER ONE LINK
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CHAPTER TWO - THREE LINK
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CHAPTER FOUR - FIVE LINK
https://akukom.com/the-angel-and-the-fugitive-chapter-4-5/

Will be counting on you all. Nastynic, where are you?

CHAPTER EIGHT



The military base sheltered more than three thousand soldiers, parading approximately ten miles away from the base. It was so constructed in a way no one gets into the base from the outside without being detected from their satellite that hung above a roofing sheet, which covers up to five miles. It had anti missile detector plate that rendered any missile lunched ineffective, and a bomb detector, a similar kind of setup at the Apex house. The only way to plant a bomb was going inside, which seemed impossible at first. Bin-Ahmed had weighed the possibilities and discovered a loop hole, the satellite only monitored anyone coming in through the front and not any other way. He guessed the best possible way was to go through the back which was as guarded as the front except with maybe, more than. A canal, so deep from far led to it. Their only option was to cause a distraction with multiple explosions outside, lure as many soldiers as possible out, kill a few to collect their uniforms and then go outside which seemed a perfect plan. Bin-Ahmed organised his men into four groups of two's, he would go inside from the back through the canal after some of the soldiers had lessened, the other groups will cause the distraction. He was in the canal already when the explosion was heard, some of the soldiers left as predicted, Bin-Ahmed and his group handled the few that was left, took their uniforms and proceeded. A long passage like a garage was where they passed, with rooms and small offices beside, one of the other groups had joined. A bomb was planted in the garage, then the armory and the control room, which was their last point before they made a return. They weren't stopped, the soldiers believed they were part of them. Anyone that doubted their identity was instantly killed. They knew the soldiers will saw nothing but smoke and no casualty. They left the same way they entered and hid in between the canal. All the soldiers had returned by then, the twelve minutes time they set had elapsed and then, the explosion occurred. The base was razed down to fragments.
Reports got to the defense quarters in Abuja. It hadn't been confirmed if there were any survivors but doubts were raised that there wouldn't be were. The chief of defense, the minister were all in great shock. They questioned the audacity of these individuals whom they had described to people as terrorists, going to the extreme of penetrating into a military base and destroying innocent lives that put their lives for the protection of their territory. It was no fluke and lie that indeed, they were dealing with a terrorist organization. They thought, we're the only set of people to pull this kind of operation. A future catastrophe was about to befall the country. The minister, Akin Wunmi paced about perplexed till a junior staff brought a beeping phone to him. It was the President, Ajuwa Williams calling;
“Good day Mr President"
“There is nothing absolutely good about the day. It's a bad day, what is happening? "
“Sir, we lost some men in the bomb explosion in Baigari state"
“Did I say I didn't know we lost good soldiers? I mean, what is happening? What are you planning to do to clear the mess? "
“We are on it Sir"
“I don't need more assurance tales, you better act like you are truly on it or face a retirement", he ended. The chief of defense focused his gaze on the screen, he was studying how the bombers got in. All videos, taken from the satellite in each military base are synchronized to the database of the defense quarters, hence, even after the explosion, the footage was still with them. That was what the chief of defense was studying.
“Three soldiers standing there disappeared and then reappeared minutes later. Probably they were killed and then they clad in their uniforms. Their face aren't visible because of the helmet. How did they get in then? "
“It wasn't from the front, we could have their images", the operator in charge of the control room stated.
“Then, is from the back. They knew it. Quite smart of them".
Another staff, a female came running in a haste towards the control room.
“What's the problem? "
“Sir, it's the press. They are all outside, demanding to get reports confirmed from you."
“Dismiss them, I don't want to see them"
“Sir, should I tell them that? "
“Oh, use your senses for goodness sake. Don't tell them that, tell them we still have unconfirmed reports yet about the victims."
“Right away sir", she left.
The chief continued to gaze at the screen even though, there was nothing to look at. No clue or whatsoever would link them to the culprits. In actual sense, his mind was faraway, his thoughts were asking some very good questions. What were the aims if these guys and their political gain? He couldn't pinpoint what they really wanted from the government or perhaps, they were just mere thugs turned into a group of criminals wanting to prove their mettle about their existence in the political terrain. The questions kept coming and he kept answering with assumptions. He knew the country was in danger, his family too and he himself was not safe either. The next target could be anywhere, something they ought to get prepared for.
“Sir", came another gentle voice. It was the same female staff that came walking up to him. The chief's mind was brought back to reality, like he woke up from his slumber.
“Yes"
“These are the figures of the casualties ", she presented the documents to him. It read two thousand, one hundred and thirty dead soldiers and eight hundred and seventy injured. He dismissed her, went to his office, sat back on an empty seat and squeezed the paper angrily. At this point, he was as helpless as a surgeon without his hands. He needed to do something fast or face the threats of the President.
Al-hida group relocated to Taglu state, the night they attacked the military base in Baigari state. It was a fourteen hours journey across two geopolitical zones, from the northeast to northwest and settled in Zurth, a city in the outskirts and also at the border where they always liked to reside, to hide their identities. A place where they could easily move from to another state. Taglu had three states, kamaru, Ejam and Abor in the southwest as neighbouring state and Zurth, shared a border with Abor. It was as if the house had already been paid for even before their arrival. It was night, in the hour of 9 pm. They on loaded their luggage from the two trucks and a bus that transited them. Of course, the two trucks were filled with weapons inform of disguised bags of cements and the bus, contained all of them, including new members that joined from school that hadn't executed their first mission, as a rule for every new member. Bin-Ahmed had promised them celebration in a grand style about their previous successful mission. He scheduled to do the celebration the next day, because they had to settle in their new place that day. The house was in a secluded area, the nearest house was about a mile away. It's surroundings were bushy and obviously unattractive. Hence, the reason why nobody cared to live. The paintings on the walls had been washed away by rain perhaps and the walls were cracking. It so happened it rained that night, the whole roof leaked, the rain was pouring on them where they all laid. They didn't feel it, they were all prepared to survive by it. They had been trained to do so mentally and so, endured. They laid partially till morning, the rain had subsided by then.
Four women expatriates had visited the Governor, Tunde Oyim in his Governor's house to discuss about the inactive participation of women in the politics of the state. The women were the leaders and runners of Women Empowerment Initiative, an NGO in the country that advocates for the women to have a niche in politicking of the country. Gender inequality had been a disturbing issue in the state as no women occupied any political seat in the affairs of the state. The speakers each narrated the plight of the women, why they should be voted and ways they can improve the state by implementing their ideas gallantly. Mr Tunde Oyim saw it as a welcome idea and bold steps, the women took in the interest of their fellow women and ensured, he will act accordingly to make sure women benefitted from his administration.
The sunset diminished as evening came by, paving way for the moon to show a little of its superiority over the clouds, even though, the earth's dead satellite illumination is from the sun itself. The streets was boisterous, and not quiet as Baigari or Moguil states that had lost nearly one-third of its citizens. These people never had any history of that, so they were calm. The women expatriates lodged in the quarters till night, where they actually said, will return to Abuja. They climbed into their jeep, waved at the governor and left. They were to pass through coyant district into Agatha street in 4th Avenue where the airport situated, but before they got to coyant, three masked individuals came out from the road side, hijacked the jeep with threats to driver to get down or be killed. In any way, the driver complied, ran away for his life, and the women were held hostages, in their vehicle that was locked. Not many cars were present at the time of the night generally, and the threats raised no suspicion, it looked casual but with a gun pointed at the driver, they all knew, it wasn't a game. The other partner seized all their bags and made sure they, had nothing that will implicate them.
“Please, who are you? Don't kill us please", pleaded the women.
“shhh", the driver put his index finger on his lips.
“We are who we are", he replied and continued driving the car. The women didn't have a clue of who and why they were kidnapped. They majorly guessed, it was the nature of their jobs, protecting the interest of the women and some politicians, weren't happy about their advocacy. It's the Government, it's the Government, they kept assuring themselves. Each of them maintained an impeccable silence till they got to a stop. It was all bushy and a lot of dry grasses were blown out by the wind. The driver stepped down, led the women to the corridor of the house, that somehow, hid in between the bushes. It was another location, different from their residence. Bin-Ahmed, crept out from the door of the sitting room that opened to the corridor, trailed by the rest.

CHAPTER SEVEN B CONTINUES


With subsequent missions, Tafa turned into a world class act and he was sung like a song by Ruff. His intelligence earned him a higher rank and drew jealousy from other members, though, it wasn’t apparent but Tafa knew it. He was able to handle guns effectively and efficiently, detonate and deactivate bombs. Three days later, the group was out on a mission to do some burglary for fun. They were to spy on the three streets to monitor situation and get reports, one was where the mall was located, where Tafa and Rogers headed, the other two were opposite, where Ruff and the rest had taken routes, making sure no one was readily available. They moved in two's as usual. The streets was unusually cold, scary and at the same time, looked like something was amiss, but was undecipherable. Maybe the insecurity in the state had made everyone stay indoors. The mall was the biggest in the city and previously, were open till 10.pm,but like the deserted street, they opened on selected days and closed before 5.pm. From their surveys, no one was detected around and as they got closer to the entrance, gun shots were fired at them from no particular position. Unexpectedly, they ran behind the electric poles as cover, some ran behind the mall, still, it was as if, the shots were coming from close range. Few weapons were with them, they didn't expect to run into their trap. It was by no mistake that they had been ambushed. Soon, Ruff noticed one of the shooters, a little from afar and shot at the from where he hid, the rest shot sporadically. Tafa hid behind old blocks, got a sight of another shooter and shot at him. Ruff's men continually ran out of bullets, Ruff told them to run without looking back which they did but then, one of them Al-Amin was shot twice and was hemorrhaging. Ruff couldn't help it, seeing one of his members dying at the forefront. Bullets were flying in the air and Al-Amin hemorrhaged profusely, Ruff dived and crawled but Tafa was closer, he had long reacted before Ruff did and so, Al-Amin was saved, on the run to safety, one of the soldiers aimed at Tafa, Ruff calculated it was Tafa and after it had been fired, he took the bullet, Tafa looked back and saw Ruff was down but he was safe with Al-Amin, he cut out some parts of his vest and arrested the bleeding. They all knew Ruff wasn't going to make it after sustaining three shots. Two of them had lost their lives, the new entrees on their first mission to burgle. They watched from their hideout that the shooters withdrew, probably they saw no one to shoot at, they took five of their men that died during the shootout and left. Only Rogers and Tafa came out of their hiding, they suspected the shooters had not gone very far. They wanted to avoid more men dying. Ruff was still breathing, they hurriedly took him to where the rest were hiding, each tore a piece of their clothes and wrapped it against the parts that bled;
“You are not going to die, you will live ", were Tafa's words of encouragement, even if it seemed not too encouraging. Ruff was in a pretty bad shape, the thoughts of him living was very slim, he had gotten deep wounds.
“Hhhooowww is he?", he managed to speak. He was concerned about the health of Al-Amin.
“He is fine for now at least, till we take him to a more comfortable place for proper wound dressing". Ruff was happy about the assurance, it was read all over his face as he smiled. He was happy to trade his life for his. He kept coughing profusely, emitting blood from his mouth. It was apparent, he wouldn't survive in the next minute. He took out a symbol, in the form of necklace from his pocket , held it in his hands. Others waited to see who he would give it to, it was a necklace of authority and power, every subsequent leader will wear. Rogers was the obvious person as he was a rank behind Ruff but that wasn't the case, he held it towards Tafa, who was quizzical. To him, he was just a newbie, others deserved it better than he does. Others frowned at the decision especially Rogers who considered it biased.
“Your heroic deeds today was marvelous and totally deserved to be the recipient of this. Don't forget your beliefs, don't live in the thralldom of anyone, continue to be the new self you have discovered, who you are now is who you actually are, implies to all of you. Take this", he handed it over to Tafa, who wore it almost immediately.
“Rule like the leader I never was". The rest held out his hand and he gave up the ghost. It was a black day for them.
“We promise you, we will", Tafa wrapped his body and with the aid of others, they took him to bury in one of their cribs, outside the school.
“We got them sir, three of them went down but the rest fled", one of the soldiers spoke through his walkie-talkie. He was communicating with the defense quarters about their operation. The soldiers drove back to their camp in tankers.
“Do you confirm Baigari state as their location"
“Yes, but we are not too sure if they are terrorists or armed robbers for they headed the mall to steal"
“You are saying is still unconfirmed "
“Yes sir"
“Not good. Good job. Continue the good work"
“Thank you sir", the soldier ended.
The news circulated in all the media in the morning about the shootout with unknown armed men, they assumed were a terrorist group in Baigari State. Discovering their niche and the shootout raised a satisfactory remarks about the military maneuver from the citizens. The news was sent by Public Relation Officer who ensured proper editing before releasing the statement. Of course, to get a vote of confidence and maximize the president's chances of winning the Election. Many considered the president's deployment as a good implementation, widely applauded. The truth behind it was nobody knew actually the body of the news, whether it was a terrorist group or armed robbers was inconsequential, they needed to make the people believe they had actually hit something, that they working at optimum level.
The burial had taken place, in far away Zani, a city in the outskirts of the state. Tafa was ultimately, the new leader in a quiet ceremony, the same night Ruff was buried. Tafa had declared that day and the day after as days of bereavement. He couldn't stop crying. He took it upon himself to avenge his death. He summoned the rest after the bereavement, his presence became more fierce, evil and terrified everyone.
“Ruff is dead, may his soul rest in perfect peace", he started.
“This is a new era, a new beginning with new set of rules with. We are one family, you have no other. You have only one life and that is here, with us. No going out alone, everyone should have a soul mate, a confidant and should be responsible for you anytime. There is a price for every violation of our rules, you all know that is death. We are going full blown, we will be known and be famous, our names shall reign high. We will burn down churches, government buildings but first thing is first, our niche has been discovered, the government is at our neck, we are getting out of this place, out of campus and never come back except when necessary, no more schooling or whatsoever. And we will hit them for our dead brothers, for Ruff. And one more thing, no one should say nothing while leaving. All of you should call me Bin-Ahmed, and not the cool headed Tafa. We kill in the name of Al-hida. Any questions? "
When he saw no one endeavored to ask, he dismissed them. He got a call immediately on Ruff's phone after their departure and received.
“Tafa, it's Alhaji Saheed"
“How did you know my name"
“I know everything. My eyes are everywhere. You are their leader now and only answerable to me. Imbibe his qualities and be absolutely loyal to me. It's time to get the real jobs done. Your pay with the rest will be doubled. You know what do next right?"
“Yes, I do. It's been planned"
“Good, will be glad to work with you. Impress me, more than your predecessor "
“Yes sir", he hung up.
He knew what he wanted to do, he had already told his subordinates but they will be launching the attack on the military base of the state the next day in day time, before they sign-off the from the state.

CHAPTER SEVEN



The health conference was to fully commence by 10 am at the Mariam Aliyusi Conference center, the guests had not started arriving as of 7.30 am when Ruff and his team had arrived in a white and yellow stripped vehicle of pie reporters, the reporting media had an exclusive rights to cover the health conference as well as two others. Tafa, who had been very close to Ruff ever since he became a member, observed the scenery from where he stood with Ruff, in the parking lot. The center was enormous with glass frames, the green white green flag flew high up on the Cadre, plethora of security personnel flooded the entrance and the drive way, thoroughly searching anyone who passes through the door. Ruff and Tafa walked to the entrance, with a microphone, flashed their I.Ds to them ;
“Henry Richmond and Chris Eze from pie reporters ". They were allowed a pass into the building reception, where the other reporters from other media houses stood. Some of the guests started arriving in their convoys, some in private cars, the foreign health experts were the first to arrive and be interviewed, Tafa and Ruff split, while Tafa remained to interview more guests, Ruff went to the restroom and dialed Kamal;
“Where are you? "
“Am at the back door, Binani is setting the explosives in the park now"
“Ok, I will be there by and by", Ruff headed for the door, behind him on the passage was security official trailing him, he came from behind the door of the alternative entrance and gave him a darting left-handed punch on his forehead, pulling his body to the back where Kamal was, Ruff quickly exchanged the uniform with his clothes, took few explosives from Kamal and headed for the left wing of the building and then, back to the driveway, the last place he would place the bomb.
The influx of government officials had increased, Tafa continued his pretense, he waited for Ruff for some explosives to be planted in the populated room, it arrived in an envelop, Tafa detached the detonator on the main door, in every corner of the room and left for the back door, with Ruff and Kamal and vanished to where Rogers was waiting in their bus, about half a mile away.
“Got in time you all", Rogers welcomed.
Their reaching there astonished them, they were incomplete, they wondered what had kept Binani from reaching there.
“Where the hell is Binani? He is supposed to have been here already"
Just then, he was sighted, running towards the bus, the sight relieved them of anxiety in their bosom.
“Ahh", Rogers exclaimed, “you almost elapsed the time"
“It's okay, am fine let's get out of here" Binani assured them.
“So what do we do with the hostages at the back? "
“We should drop them faraway from here. They will wake up and not remember any of this happened"
The real pie reporters were kidnapped along a highway in the same vehicle that conveyed them to the conference, the reporters were sedated, that accounted for their sleeping. A big sound of explosion was heard as they drove off, thick smoke covered the clouds like a fog, there was a wide spread commotion as two blasts sounded simultaneously, seconds after the first. The President, Ajuwa Williams survived along side others but majority of the foreign experts were dead. Another blast sounded in the alternative exit, Ajuwa Williams managed to escape but his bodyguards behind were dead.
The announcement of the death of some ministers and the foreign health experts put everyone in shock, in the country and in the diaspora, the country had presented themselves with a negative image and calls were being made for the President to resign amidst unresolved disposition. The President himself had declared that day and the next as a holiday to mourn the departed souls. His closed door meeting with his security Chiefs ended and he was left in his depressed state and deep thinking. His several hours of segregation made him reach his final deductions, firstly, a rich political figure whether in his government or not is inconsequential, financed the deadly group to rob him of his second term, tarnish his image and distract him of his campaign. The group knew everything virtually happening in his home and so, he suspected a mole was in his home, and so, were information wise and planned ahead, that was his second deduction, though, they lacked substantial clues, he was sure he was right.
Investigations were carried out, no evidence pointed out to anyone in particular that was the culprit except for few footages that captured Binani putting something that they envisioned as box under a car in the parking lot, a security official running with a cleaner, all was blurry, efforts to get the imaging vivid was abortive, that was a lead they had wanted, they wished they got.
“Did you see they all ran before the time of the explosion? That is to say they knew that it was going to explode, that accounted for their take off. They did it", stated the new National Intelligence Unit boss, Victor Okafor. He was appointed by the President himself to replace the former, he considered incapable and fiddle. He was addressing a co-worker in the office, who was watching the tape with him in the control room.
“What if they didn't? Maybe they saw the bomb and was to scared to alert bomb public so, they fled for their lives"
“It doesn't seem to appear so, look at it again, they all knew themselves, the other two ran in the same direction. The security official was with a walkie-talkie, why didn't he communicate with the rest, we got them there. So bad we couldn't see their faces ".
“Sir, should I get the report forwarded to the defence Ministry and other security agencies?"
“Yes, please, that is what we were able to get at the moment, check for more available footages to see if we can get a more vivid imaging", He instructed and left for his office. NIU was a subsection under the ministry of defence that over sees the CCTV, every movement on the road and premises within the city, right from their office base. They worked hand in hand in relating information to other security agencies, especially in matters that has no root cause or definite findings like the one they were dealing with in which the person or group of persons carrying out the bombings are yet to be discovered. The President's order on deployment of military in those states that has been severely affected was only a temporary result to combat the crisis, as state of emergency has already been declared. The severity of the matter will determine which security agency is solely responsible for the operation, whether it's a terrorist group or mere political thugs.
“Excuse me sir, we have some vivid pictures about them, they are in Baigari state and are students, “one of the operators presented a file to Mr Okafor in his office.
“Good, we will have to contact everyone now".
**************
Tafa's first mission was very successful, he was gladden at the back of his mind and had been in his dreams till he woke up from his heavy slumber, it was a sunny morning, the rays focused on his eyes and he immediately, jerked to a sitting position. The rays wasn't the only reason, the hard knocks he heard on the door disturbed his sleep. Rogers was out again, he wasn't sure if he slept at all before leaving. The journey was longer than usual, they needed to take another route back to the state. That night was a long one for all of them. Tafa pulled his sleeveless on and headed for the door, Rita stood with Pastor Simon, Tafa reluctantly exchanged greetings with them and led to his room.
“To what do I owe this visit? I never expected any of you", Pastor Simon cleared his obstructed throat before commencing to speak.
“We came to see you, to see how you are doing"
“I can see you came to see me and luckily, am doing very great and superfluous"
“Tafa, your life is extremely important to God, He still loves you and ready to take you back more than ever. Your pain, burdened heart, he will take care of those only if you… "
“Only if what", he cuts in, “ if I go back to Him in what? And who will He take care of? I don't need to be taken care of by anyone, so don't blab in front of me with your teachings. I was once devoted to Him and my devotion is unparalleled, you know that, she knows that and God Himself knows that. Where was His power when I lost everything that was me, my family? I went from pain to pain, prayed and yet, afflictions caught the righteous more than once, more than twice. You keep deceiving people He still exists while He doesn’t"
“Brother Tafa, don't speak like that, in time of tribulations, He is always there to help, even when you give up on natural happenings, the extraordinary happens. Disaster is inevitable in one's life and only Him knows why such things happen. Sometimes, you lose the most important people in your life, you just have to move on"
“That's just what I have done, moved on with my life, I believe in myself, not some sort of a non-existent Being. I am a god myself "
“Don't become the person that you aren't, you are still a tool in His Vineyard"
“Am not anyone's tool", Tafa screamed at the top of his voice, “I care about nothing, not even the God you worship. I have chosen a path I believe, that is worth believing. I can be anything I want to be. Why do you still bother about me when you disappointed me the time I needed you and the church, I would have saved my father who was at the top of the list of patients for a new heart, probably saved my siblings. You all saved your money because of greed, you are not to be forgiven and you will definitely pay one day"
“I wasn't in the position to help you, I am just an assistant pastor, nothing more"
“But you could still have done something, I waited for an answer from you until the last day when my father had another arrest and was about to breathe his last. If you had told me earlier, I would have sought for an alternative but you didn't. No, you could have done something. "
Pastor Simon felt terribly guilty and with that, Tafa dismissed them. They knew almost immediately that Tafa wasn't the same anymore, he had metamorphosed into something fierce, powerless to be changed, like some kind of spell was cast on him. The circumstances that surrounded him changed him for worse. He wasn't going back to the same faith that blinded him and obstructed his sense of reasoning over time, that failed to make him realised that he was going down the drain till he found a new faith that he called, “the light". Tafa's new self was unimaginably bitter to Rita, who didn't utter a word all through. Her presence was barely recognised by Tafa except once. When she looked back at him and he didn't reciprocate, she realised that she had lost him. It wasn't her Tafa and in as much she wanted to profess her feelings yet again, she still couldn't. To her, it was late to do that. She was scared and lacked the audacity to talk to him normally like the old times. It was gone, another being had been unleashed from his within, so uncontrollable. He was no longer the immaculate Tafa, the one she loved so much that she couldn't profess her feelings to him. She got his attention by calling out his name for the last time wished him, “Good luck " and closed the door behind her. Tafa reached for his packet of cigarettes and spirit in the cupboard and combined the two in what he called, a warmup. He didn’t mind abandoning his pursuit of a career in school , none of his friends attended classes after all, they used the University as one of their hideouts since they would be least suspected. He was happy with the way he has become, who he had translated into.

nastynic:
The Plan Tho



Crazy Bruh
Nice Update
More cash to your account

Thanks Bro. More update will follow. Keep checking

CHAPTER SIX CONTINUES



The new day broke, Tafa woke up in seventh heaven, his previous night was an indelible moment. Unsurprisingly, the brotherhood took care of his financial needs and provided new set of clothes that laid on the empty sofa, his name printed on the card boldly. It consisted of a customised blazer jacket, Italian suits, chinos and numerous shirts. He hadn't realised this till he made sure he wasn't dreaming, he was in complete awe of what he saw. Rogers had gone out already as he normally does especially on Mondays, he sprang to his feet to have his bath and shave, after he remembered he had a class meeting to attend.
His amazing new appearance bewildered most campus students walking at different paces to their respective destinations, many reasons were given for that, with some concluding that he was no longer a believer, that he was the “new boy " of the supposed cultist group. Tafa was fully aware of the straying eyes but continued to walk briskly, till he stumbled on Rita, chatting up with her friends who looked unrecognizable to her like the rest at first. Her friends were equally amazed and exchanged greetings with Tafa, before he faced Rita.
“Hello Rita, how are you?" Tafa first greeted, that was the first time he spoke to her since the funeral.
“What a surprise? Barely recognized you. You are looking ok, good to see you have let bygones be bygones"
“Yes, I had to let the pain of yesterday go, start up well today to ensure a brighter tomorrow. "
“Good to hear that. I didn't see you in church yesterday, and in the midweek service, what's happening?"
“It's nothing, just that I have found a new faith, and discovered a new self"
“What new faith? There is none except the one in God"
“There is and I was made to discover it. I still believe in God, but a different one entirely. I believe in the god in me, in myself"
“That is blasphemy Tafa. What has really come over you? Or have you lost what you have believed in since you were little? Or have you? "
“What?"
“Have you joined them Tafa? Have you joined those unbelievers, those ruthless Savage beings on campus? "
“And of what good is it if I don't join them? Your God has failed me, I wasn't prospering but now I am, I was miserable but not anymore. Like I said, I believe in a new god, I will be late for my meeting, please excuse me."
Tafa kept walking without looking back on her, the way he talked to her when he looked in her eyes were gone. Rita knew his faith had been tampered, that was what led him to join a group he preaches against all the time, now she could do nothing to stop him, but at least to try one more, she wouldn't lose Tafa, a big asset in God's Vineyard to those unbelievers, whom she greatly despise. The sect had a strong record of not letting members pullout, which of course, is an act punishable by death. She excused from her friends and went to the restroom, poured her heart out and prayed for Tafa to unite with his former faith.
Once, the President ordered more deployment of a platoon of army officers in all school and varsity in order to detect and prevent any foreseeable attack from the insurgents and also, shoot at them at foresight if they couldn't be caught. Each of them patrolled on campus, day and night. Tafa was ignorant of this as he was on his way back to his room, he soon got a call from Rogers, demanding him to get to their usual meeting crib, they had a complicated mission to deal with.
“I will be there in a jiffy with no hassle", just then he noticed he was been followed by one of those soldiers directly behind him while he was flanked by two others and when he asked Rogers what he needed to do, Tafa was advised to retain his composure and act cool, which he didn't like because he hated been followed like a suspect unnoticed, moreover, he was followed by people he disliked, the sight of military officials disgust him. He imagined the reason for his being followed, could it be someone had given him up? He increased his pace whenever the soldiers kept coming closer to him. The worse happened at a time when he looked back, the soldiers aimed their guns at him, Tafa perspired and breathed so much that he was hyperpyrexia, and scared of being dead, he had no choice than to run on his heels, the armed men pulled the trigger quadrupled times but Tafa, smart as he was went in between the bushes and was lost out of sight.
“Some soldiers are after Tafa. I told him to move with composure, not sure it was the right thing to say to him"
“Of course it was, if he had trembled, he would be forced to say things, so it's a good advice Rogers. "
“Am not sure he will be safe", Binani said.
“He will. He's a smart dude and highly intellectual. He will make it definitely. "
A knock was heard on the door, the fear it might be the soldiers scared them, moreover, they don't have and keep weapons anywhere on campus, they could have defended themselves warily, except for few knives at their back pockets. Ruff leapt forward, towards the door and opened, a hale and hearty Tafa was on the door with a quiver entered almost immediately;
“I knew you were going to escape "
“I almost died there, they fired shots at me when I ran, couldn't stand their aiming at me."
“They are crazy, why will they fire shots at a civilian? I hate this Government"
“They think they will ever discover us, it's impossible and now, I hate them more"
“Hey, we all dislike them, let's get down to a more important business, there will be a health conference in the capital in two days time, ministers, foreign health experts and the President, will likely be in attendance. We are to disrupt it with a bomb. "
“We know it's a gargantuan conference and would be highly secured"
“So, what's the plan? "
“We will leave in two separate vehicles, one will drive a van, which will be stuffed with our weapons and cement bags to cover it up to make it look as if, we are delivering a shipment and the other, in a bus which will contain the remainder of us", explained in details by Ruff.
“Any questions?"
“I have one, due to the pending stop and search among major checkpoints, aren't we likely to be searched? I mean the van", asked Kamal.
“Trust me, we wouldn't. Nobody will spend hours searching a van with hundreds of bags of cements when they are over thousands of other vehicles on the road", Ruff entailed.
“How do we get the bag of cements? "
“We would have bought them ourselves, but we smuggle them instead and keep our cash. Tafa and I will smuggle them, it will be a wonderful experience for him", Ruff smiled and Tafa, returned the gesture. Tafa’s mind was pretty occupied by the job they were given. He realised this group wasn’t just a cult but something much more. They were made to all have the impression at first that they were cultists but as it progressed perhaps he thought, he realised they were more than mere cultists or reverenced in campus and that’s the reason for their staying in an expensive hostel in campus, to not be suspected of carrying out jobs as high as this. He questioned himself if it were these men that caused the bombing of the square, the residential building where his siblings lived. He could be working for people that killed his siblings. He ruminated for long that his self wasn’t present. Ruff knew what he was thinking of and asked again.
“Are you okay Tafa? “
“Yes, I am”, he lied.
“I know this must be hard, the bombings at cupala square wasn’t ours but a rival group that wants to suppress and eradicate us. They would be taken care off as a punishment for your siblings death”, Ruff promised. He was happy to see a glimmer of smile on Tafa. He was convinced he believed his story. Tafa knew his siblings killers and was happy they would be dealt with to the point he wouldn’t have to lift a finger. He was offered a cigarette by Ruff but coughed loudly. It was his first time of smoking but subsequent trials, he became comfortable and smoked like them.
“So, how do we go about planting it", one of them brought back the initial question.
“There are three places where we can plant it, the drive way, the conference room itself and the hallway. Our exit is through the power station room behind that serves as the alternative exit", everyone all this while, thought it was Ruff talking but it wasn't, Tafa had been doing the talking, his robust knowledge awed everyone but at the same time, each of them present were angry about his talking, no one talks when Ruff, their leader talks but he was pardoned, he was a new entrant and wasn't familiar with the rules yet.
“Am sorry for speaking, I am very well familiar with the venue, I went there with my father when I was fourteen."
“It's okay, that's why we have you here after all. You are very much forgiven. You have just given us insight, thank you". Tafa was very much pleased, still his fellow members were still in awe.
“We are going with this plan, we we'll go through the back with our bags, we go in two's first as journalists and then, trailed by the rest of us as cleaners, ensuring the conference room is clean. We stay only fifteen minutes and get out. We live this night, when the patrol is less", concluded Ruff. Tafa now knew why these men wouldn’t leave the sect and why they enjoyed it, the pay is exuberant for them to quit. He needed to be prepared mentally physically if he was going to be in their league. It was his very first mission to impress and not disappoint.
five hours later, around 1.am, the bus and a van came to a halt in front of a nearly completed bungalow structure, surrounded by thick bushes and trees. It wasn't modernly built but spacious enough to shelter humans. It used to be one of their regulars until recently, it was abandoned. They usually act that way to prevent prying eyes on them. It was chosen this time because, their next operation wasn't in Baigari State, they needed a place to rest before embarking on their journey. Tafa and Ruff about thirty minutes prior to their stop, had smuggled one hundred and fifty bags of cement from a cement factory store into the van, killing four of the security guards on duty. After the halt, each and every one of them helped on load explosives, rolled in the rollers from the rat infested house into a space, prepared for them in the van, then the cement bags were placed on them and arranged in piles, so as to appeal it was all cement bags that was stuffed. They all entered inside after on loading, the house was fill of cobwebs, a fact that it had been abandoned for a long time, they were used to it, except Tafa who regularly removed the cobwebs as he advanced with a short broom he spotted when he entered. He had to get used to it if he was to be fully recognised and accepted by them and have a good impression, after all, they barely needed three hours to embark on their mission. It was almost 2.am,and were to leave for Abuja by 4.am.

CHAPTER SIX


Party members of Freedom Party, journalists and the general press gathered at the party's head office in the secretariat, for the outcome of the primaries. This came after a brief meeting at the Apex house concerning the bomb blast that killed thirty nine government officials and citizens, injuring sixty-seven others. The meeting was attended by security experts, several government officials and security Chiefs. After its closure, the press surrounded the incoming persons with questions about the outcome which they declined. The primaries was a contest between the President, Mr Ajuwa Williams and his vice, Bello Salaudeen, who recently had a fallout with the former on how things were to be run. Mr Bello was one of those that no longer believed Ajuwa Williams presidential ambitions and resolved to take up the mantle by contesting in the primaries, which was against the ideas and party principles of its members. The Members and party chairman himself tried talking Mr Bello out of his "insanity", in order to prevent chaos and scandalous rumours which was beginning to spread like wildfire among the populace, that the party was unstable, as fiddle as a feather, lacked the audacity and capabilities to deal with the pending problems lingering. Mr Bello refuted, had a firm resolution and opposed whatever his party members said about adopting Mr Ajuwa Williams as the consensus candidate, though, gradually, he began to have certain individuals in support of his motion. This was the catastrophic mastermind of Alhaji Saheed which was beginning to take a shape.
“It has come to our notice that the winner of the party's primaries is out, undisputedly, Ajuwa Williams has been declared the eventual winner of the contested primaries", came the voice of the party's secretary, Mrs Virginia, who announced to the crowd.
“That's impossible and ridiculous. How can a man who has solely disappointed the people, betrayed his own party and rubbished the party's manifestos and campaign promises win? It's absurd and this, has been rigged just to favour him", Mr Bello rose in an uproar in his black kaftan.
“Don't talk gibberish here, his mandate was clear and therefore, deserved to emerge victorious", the party's chairman rose to Ajuwa's defense.
“It's nonsense, we are failing, the party is failing, don’t you hear what the people are saying? We can't lose the next election and we will if we adopt Ajuwa Williams as party candidate", another member stated.
“What the people are saying is only heard by you because you all have been bribed into thinking so, the people still on believe in Ajuwa's administration to continue to deliver".
“What? Is that how you insult your party's fellows? By thinking what is not? How sure are you, you all haven't been bribed by the president himself ", accused, Mr Ogwu, a top official in the board of trustees.
“I take exception for that blatant rude remarks, do you think am as dirty as you? I have a clean record of nabbing corrupt officials and that will include any one in this room if found guilty ",argued Ajuwa Williams, still obsessed by the impudent comments. Members of the board of trustees were thrown into bewilderment about the outcome, members took sides and finally, an important resolved decision was reached, Ajuwa became the presidential aspirant, Mr Bello left with his supporters in rage and threatened to join the opposition party, which he did when the decision went against him. Mr Bello immediately, placed a call to Alhaji Saheed to inform him everything went according to plan. He had given the FPN, reason to defect.
*******
Campus was tranquil, perhaps, the cool morning, devoid of harsh sun rays had its effect on it. The day looked promising, even more for Tafa who will partake in the upcoming semester exams, after paying up his outstanding fees, the money he apparently took from Rogers. The news about the death that clouded his family was all behind him for good, inexplicable happenings that threw him off balance was all gone. The thoughts of living as an orphan, his depleted world, his sorrow being made him realize that nature, had no regard for anyone in particular, the rich and the poor, good and evil are all affected in one way or the other but the latter, seemed to get the better of it. He stood under a deciduous tree, observing the scenery when certain questions about nature, it's pure existence and It's Ruler revolved in his mind, does the Supreme Being, the Creator existed? And if it was, does He still exist? Does he acknowledge the suffering of His ardent followers or are they mere fantasies to delude people into believing nature was brought into being by The Supreme Being and thus, controls it? They were all rhetorical questions or perhaps, questions he chose not to answer in his occupied mind but carefully wandered in them. His life was an example, a fact and answer to all his questions, the suffering of man has no bounds, it could only get more worse. Nature is bad to the good and good to the bad. What he wanted now was to live a new life of enjoyment, no pain. After his resolution and conviction, he left for his room.
Rogers was now fully awake, he hadn't slept in the previous night because of the meeting he had with his friends, thereafter, he left for an all night party with them.
“Wow, finally, you are awake, was thinking you were never going to"
“What says the time? "
“it's 12 noon."
“Oh my world, I just missed something"
“What is that? "
“Oh never mind .it's nothing to worry about", he leapt to a sitting position on his bed.
“So, you have been on that position for how long?, "referring to Tafa's beckoning on the door.
“Not quite long, I just came inside when I saw you were already up"
“Oh, nice". Rogers still had a squeamish look on his face, got up to wash his face in the bathroom, after, he examined it and returned to a sitting position on his bed. Tafa looked serious and also sat on his bed.
“I was thinking of when am going to meet your friends, I mean become a full member."
“Oh yes, we talked about it yesterday, you will be present in our regular Saturday initiation ritual meeting today, you will become a full member this night"
“Oh, that's alright. I will be ready then. Why are you smiling? " Tafa noticed Rogers smiling at him.
“Am happy you have realized that life it's too short to lavish. You have a purpose "
“I want to live my life now, a carefree life. My belief diminished the moment I saw the last members of my family traded under a building. I was stupid and unreasonable then and now, I want to make it up to myself, live a worthy life"
“You made the right choice. I see the hunger to succeed, to excel in you, you couldn't have achieved those without you being released from the thralldom of your obsolete beliefs". Tafa smiled at him and left. Rogers wandered in his thoughts, destiny had brought Tafa to his call, the killing of his siblings in the blast, the death of his siblings was no mistake after all, he has been released from the imprisonment of his obsolete beliefs just like what Ruff had told them, it was all, but a trigger that will lure him to them. It was what they ever wanted, with Tafa joining them, Al-hida group will be stronger, more ruthless operations will be carried out, perfection will be achieved. It was one happy day for both of them and regretted scolding his friends the other day for the blast.
Tafa never went through the rigorous process of initiation like the others passed through during their time. Why and wherefore was only known to Ruff and therefore, Tafa bypassed the norms of the practice. After the initial round, which was drinking of an animal's blood, he was handed over, a handmade silver necklace to wear as a sign of membership, next was a crest and then, he took an oath of belonging only to them,
“We live together, we die together, perfection in unison, no flinty feelings, love is only for the weak, non-existent among the strong, we are gods among others, one family, we live for each other, die for each other, we believe in ourselves, in what we do, may we be protected by our own faith, until death, Al-hida Al-hida".
Ruff gave a brief speech and closed with a remainder of the consequences of betrayal amongst them, death was the price to be paid. Tafa was ready for this and showed no form of trembling whatsoever, he conceited to this, this was his new family, to live with and to think of. That was his new self discovery, he would hold onto for a long time.

nastynic:


Take your time bruh, we can't sacrifice our real life for the virtual world

Time is Money
Therefore
Better story na time bring am
Still Following Bruh

Na so. It will drop today. Keep checking

Thank you nastynic. I have been busy of late but the story will continue tomorrow.
Keep reading
Keep anticipating.

CHAPTER FIVE CONTINUES

After depositing the money, Tafa returned to the hallway, trembling on his toes. No one had come out of his father's operating room as he had hoped. Then the doctor came, looking servile, tired, hopeless, and ostensibly, his face depicted something saddening.
"Is he alright? Tell me? "
“Am sorry, he had another attack and we couldn't save him again. It was too late."
“No, no, he can't die, it's not possible, my father is still alive right? "
“Am sorry for the loss, accept my sympathy".
“This is a dream, it can't be reality, oh my God. After everything, no, no"
“Take it easy, I know how you feel. Calm yourself down please"
“Am sorry doctor but you don't know, my mother died in this hospital and now my father also dead. It's ridiculous "
The breaking news on the TV interrupted him from speaking further and the activities of the hospital was suspended with the headline, “Multiple bomb explosions rock Cuppala square", the bomb explosion extended to the residential buildings and properties in the area, number of dead casualties unknown, Tafa seized crying, the news of bomb blast on residential area only made him realize that his siblings could be affected, their safety and wellbeing filled his whole being. He screamed the name of his sister Fatima, his sick brother who was discharged few days ago from the clinic due to lack of funds for further treatment, Ibrahim, his last brother Aminu and ran outside like an insane person, the doctor was surprised, the nurses were but they could fathom it was related to the news, if only they knew it was a case of life and death, that he was about to lose someone as special as his siblings, his flesh and bone along with his father on the same day.
He arrived at the scene, pervaded by military men and National Emergency Disaster Unit officials, barricading the vicinity, rescuing victims and putting them into the ambulance. Tafa broke through some resistance, ransacking each victims with his eyes carefully. He heard his name called out by a voice that sounded familiar, turned anticlockwise and ran towards her. Rita had been there immediately she heard the news of the bomb blast. He felt like asking if she had seen his siblings till his eyes beheld two dead bodies on the ground, that was his siblings lying helplessly, defeated. Rita continued to shed tears uncontrollably, she took the body of Fatima and placed her on her thighs, Tafa sat on the dry ground with the other, later, they let go of the dead bodies, put them into the ambulance after identifying the bodies and consoled each other in an embrace.
The burial ceremony was concise, the officiating priest extolled the qualities of his dead parents, the need to emulate their principles and good living on earth. Few minutes after the end of the mass, Tafa walked and stood at their Graves, staring at the tombs of his family;
Joshua Waziri 1956 -2020
Aisha Waziri 1965 -2020
Fatima Waziri 1998 -2020
Aminu Waziri 2005 -2020
Ibrahim Waziri 1993 -2020
The tomb of Ibrahim was empty, his body was never found after the collapse. His precious jewel, a book he always read was placed in his casket in place of him. He hunkered beside his tomb and cried out his heart till sunset, screaming, “God, why has thou forsaken me".

CHAPTER FIVE


The Apex house, in the capital city Abuja, Nigeria was the abode of the President, Mr Ajuwa Williams comprised of eighty-four rooms, thirty-two bathrooms, a conference meeting room, where members of the Cabinet meet, two sitting rooms, In it, hanging in a frame suspended on the white wall, were the pictures of past Presidents in circular form, a red leather upholstery, in a harmonious colour with the rug, a large glass center table and forty-five servants and workers, that ensures regular maintenance.
On the outside of the twin duplex, a special telecommunication aerial stood on a chimney, hung on a slate by the far right corner of the corrugated sheets, a skylight and a dormer window. A thatched enclosure stood beside which housed two snipers. A plethora of about two hundred and fifty armed military men and uniformed police personnel paraded in and out, from the first gate of the driveway. A vegetable garden about a hectare situated behind the chain like wall, CCTV cameras and automatic bomb activation and deactivation button and satellite control, numbered about eighty surrounded the electric fit fence to the inside, with the later, capable of detecting any signal within two miles of launch and deactivate them, with the help of anti-missile computer. Each of the security and defense mechanism were controlled in a brick built house behind the staff quarters by the defense system unit personnel. A basketball hoop was suspended on a gutter, tennis and volleyball court were beside a swimming pool after the garden and a fully fledged clinic. The house was a prevalent structure, built in the early twentieth century in England.
The president himself stood in the balcony of his bedroom, seemingly enjoying the pleasant sight of the morning sun rise with a glass cup, half filled with a red wine. He has been a shadow of himself lately, his campaign of being re-elected into office for the second term had been very hectic, largely due to the fact, he senses a feeling of not being trusted by the people any more even though, the facts are not so legible and then, the insecurity, which seemed a perfect wrong time for his ambitions and feels is going to daunt it. The recent bombings in Baigari State and Moguil state had been very particular in the sense that these states contributed immensely to his victory at the polls. . He had been left in shambles and rage since the bombings, resulting in insomniac nights. When he does sleep, he is troubled by the night mare of being dead at the Apex house by the bombings. This was the reason for the recent deployment of more military personnel in his home. Someone was haunting him from his past, he would tell that to himself and his wife who was abroad, for a while whenever he reasons, the obvious points for the commencement of the attacks. His political enemies, he taught were behind the calamity, but he couldn't figure who. His cloud of thoughts were disturbed by the coming of one of his servants, who announced the coming of Chief of Army, defense unit and chief of Police Unit, Baigari state .
“Tell them to wait under the shade in the garden. "He dismissed her and called one of his military guard and told him to keep away the eyes of the fourth estate from getting any information as it was strictly a closed door meeting. The Chief of Army Unit, Lieutenant General Kadibe Orji was lanky disciplined, dark skin complexioned with a wrinkled face and a small pointed nose in his sixties sat in one of the four chairs already set in the garden, his chin up was clad in his uniform with pips and crowns in his epaulet. He had served in the military for fourteen years, three of those were where he worked in the artillery unit and the others, as an outfield soldier. Close to him was the chief of Defense Unit, Segun Folorunsho who unlike the former was robust looking, sat cross-legged waiting and shared similar phenotype with the Police Chief with the exception of a broad nose compared to the Chief of Defense unit tiny nose like there was none. He served in the Army as a tactics and strategy expert almost all his lifetime. Chief of Police unit, Baigari State Kenneth Orie has been in the police force for thirty years before his appointment, about six months ago. Mr Ajuwa Williams welcomed them warmly as he met them. The Chief of Defense Unit reached for his brief case opposite him on the ground and brought out a document he handed over to Mr Ajuwa Williams.
“His Excellency, here is the report of the recent bomb explosions. We are yet to nab the bombers but we have suspects in our custody". Mr Ajuwa Williams reached for his glasses in his pocket, nodded his head in approval of what he read.
“Hmmmm, I like the authenticity of the report, but What happened to the security cameras in each street electric poles. We should have culprits and not suspects and it should have had the videos".
“Sir, there was no witness or witnesses at the time of the explosion except one who wasn’t lucky enough to survive to tell”, the Police Chief stated.
“How possible is that? “
“His Excellency, all the video cameras were destroyed prior to the attack. It stopped functioning hours before the insurgents struck ", explained implicitly by the Chief of Defense. They stopped discussing, waited for the maid to serve drinks before commencing.
“Are the repairs underway"
“Yes, it's currently been taken care of. "
“Good".
Silence struck for a while. Mr Ajuwa Williams stood pacing about with his orangeade drink. He was thinking of what to do next, the next plan to execute. His thoughts were like a mold block, he couldn't come up with any plan, and when he realized he still couldn't, he took his seat back and maintained eye contacts with his subordinates.
“We need to be more pragmatic, these unknown numbers are way to cleaver and will continue to come. We should expect the next attack soon. Every checkpoint in Moguil and Baigari should be barricaded since they are the most affected states for now, every single exit and borders should too. Any one of suspicion should be gunned down immediately. As it is now, military presence is needed. All hands must be on deck. We need to contain this before the killings become insidious and grow into an epidemic "
“Yes, but we need more deployments sir, more armored tanks to keep the operation abreast," the Chief of Army unit stated.
“It will be approved soon”, he took another sip of his juice.
The maid dropped the empty tray in the kitchen, raced towards an empty room she glanced at and looked back to check if she was followed. When she noticed she wasn't, brought a phone from the pocket of her apron and dialed some numbers.
“Hello Alhaji, it's me Hadijat. The president is in a closed door meeting with his security chiefs"
“Did you eavesdrop "
“I did but not quite the exact. They said nothing when I served but stayed fir a while and heard a few things. They are planning on the next strategy that will soon commence, something about deployment of more soldiers"
“Ok, good. Continue to keep your ears close to the ground, “he hung up. Hadijat like everyone that has helped has been one of the beneficiaries of Alhaji Saheed's “good work". Once, a destitute and a street hawker, he chose for his despicable acts in years to come like the devil he always has been . Alhaji Saheed whiled away no time in calling Ruff, whatever the outcome of the meeting was, he knew deployment will take some time to execute, being part of the Government previously. It only suggested, they needed to hit soonest.
“Ruff, you need to hit immediately "
“When Alhaji?"
“Today"
“I don't think it's really possible. The exigency is soon. I need to gather the boys and pinpoint positions. It will take a while to do that"
“No damn it, you need to act now. No more questions and do as I say. Get it done today ".
“My apologies, we will do as you say", Alhaji Saheed hung up first. Ruff dashed towards their hideout, a place in an outskirt, after informing his friends. This was the place where their weapons were kept buried under the ground and where they stayed after an operation.
“So, what is the plan? "
“The plan, well, this is it. We use three taxis, stop at a distance and Forge ahead on foot in three's. There are three cross roads leading to the square and a nearby uncompleted building beside a grassy land, one group stays in it and the other on the grassy land, launch the bombs and disappear, the other should dress like the military and stay at each cross road. The uniforms are here. No one will question you because military presence will be heavy, everybody will be assumed as one, keep them busy fir a while. The street cameras there are not repaired yet so there is no need to be afraid. Ten minutes maximum, everyone should retreat into the Bush, about a kilometer behind. A car will be waiting by the side to take off”, Ruff slips his vest above his head and noticed something amiss, Rogers absence of course was it. He had the key to the box that contained the weapons under the ground.
“Where is Rogers for goodness sake? "
**********
“Come in", answered the doctor who was engaged in filing some paper work. Tafa and Rogers leapt into the cold office perspiring from the run up.
“How is he doctor? I have been kept waiting at the reception for some minutes with my friend without any attendance from no one till I was directed here"
“Are you Mr Tafa Waziri? "
“Yes I am. The son of Mr Joshua Waziri"
“Alright, am doctor Mark. Your father's case was transferred to me. He had an arrest about an hour ago, his heart is getting weaker by the day. The chance of surviving the next arrest is very slim, if we don't get the money for his transplant now, am afraid, we may lose him. "
“Oh Jesus, I haven't gotten the deposit yet let alone the full amount. Doctor you have to do something. There must be an alternative, can't you go with the transplant while I run for the money"
“Am sorry, it can't be done. There is nothing I can do"
Rogers phone beeped for an incoming message and left, simultaneously, Tafa excused himself to place a call to pastor Simon who didn't receive after two dials, he was to find out if his loan request had been approved. Fortunately, after the third dial, pastor Simon received,
“Good day Pastor"
“How are you Tafa"
“Not ok sir, I called to know if my request had been approved, my father is going to drop dead at any moment if he has another cardiac arrest"
“Am sorry Tafa, I just left the meeting in the church, your request wasn't granted. The church can't fund the surgery".
Tafa for a moment thought he hadn't listened well but when he heard again, he became dumbfounded, gazed into the eyes of the doctor who was still busy on his table and then Rogers who returned from taking a call. He stood in the middle of a blue sea, befuddled and never had this ugly picture he has been experiencing, his pastor couldn't help him, his own church couldn't help him, he had no one except Rita who at the moment was more than helpful. Rogers read the meaning on his face, he wanted to tell him he was leaving him for an assignment but the look discouraged him, he was his close friend and deserting him would be callous of him, for he was full of sympathy for him, if only he could help him but he was under an oath, the sect oath not to help anyone on the outside. Tafa moved to sit on his seat, whispered to Rogers ears and in few seconds, he was seen going to a noiseless area, taking an excuse from the doctor.
“Am in ok, what's the point sticking to a faithless beguiled faith when my father is dying every second? . I want the money now and then I join your clique"
“Hmmmm, ok. I don't know how long it will take to get it transferred to your account but I will get it done. It's not really our rule to till you join but I can help you and make exception. Your my friend and won't allow your father to die"
“Thanks".
An Automated Teller Machine was situated outside the hospital, as no banks was near, running to and fro and with all the logistics problems will while away time so, using the ATM was best. Rogers finally excused himself from Tafa, with the reason of having an appointment. Few minutes elapsed, Tafa received the alert on his phone about the transfer, without further ado, he made the withdrawal, proceeded to the doctor's office.
“I have the money with me now. Can we proceed with the surgery? "
“We can obviously, take it to the accounting office. I will assign a nurse to lead you", the doctor stood to leave, taking his lab coat off when a plump nurse bagged in.
“Doctor we have an emergency, the patient, Mr Waziri is having a heart attack."
“Give him another 10 Mg of dopamine immediately. "He instructed the nurse through the telephone on his desk.
“Doctor, is my father ok? Is he?"
“I don't know for now until I get there, please, excuse me ". Tafa stood dazed for a moment, he was faithless but held on to his faith for the last time. The statement made by the doctor, his father not surviving the next attack only rotated in his head, he proceeded to the accounting office.
Cuppala Square was filled with top state political figures of the Freedom Party. The local Government Chairman, party chairman and Governor led the rally, huge boisterous crowd behind them. The local Government chairman was seeking for re-election, just like the governor for the next four years in office. The former was imminent, the date scheduled to take place a week before the state. The Local Government chairman began to declare his campaign promises on stage, then the party's chairman, rounding it up was the Governor. A huge blast of a sound was made, there was a bomb explosion on one part of the square, the sound threw tumultuous crowd into panic, few seconds apart, two quick fire bomb blasts occurred, on the stage and on the roof, and then everywhere. The remaining crowd was thrown into perplexity, running pep Mel, security operatives led the distinguished political figures out of the square, corpse littered the square though some were injured to the point of being dead, only few escaped unhurt after the sound of the first explosion. The whole square was now deserted except for Emergency unit and the dead corpses.
Ruff and his team had already sped past the empty checkpoints and the barricade of the soldiers, few miles away from their drop zone. There was some sort of silence as though, they missed something. Rogers kept hitting his fist on the seat in front, muttering hare words to himself.
“Am sorry Rogers, I messed up big time. I shouldn't have gone beyond boundary", Janko, one of them apologized.
“Just shut up okay, just keep your mouth shut. What the hell were you thinking huh? Releasing launchers for the sake of fun? Stick to the plan, that was the instruction and then, you decided to do your own way by getting to kill people you weren't told to. You just killed my friends siblings, the only ones he has got perhaps, give me a reason not to shoot you, "pointed a gun at him furiously.
“Hey, calm down dude. He overreacted, that's it and probably deserves to be punished for it." Ruff chipped in.
“Don't tell me to, just let me be. How do you expect me to react. It's crazy, very crazy.
“It's done already. Nothing you can do can change that. He simply didn't know it was your friend's home. I take the blame for his actions. "
“They won't survive, am pretty much sure." Rogers nerves was calmed. He felt extremely guilty of what happened. To him, the whole operation was a mess and a disaster, he would live with. He blamed himself for arriving late, if he had earlier, maybe he would be the one to handle that position. Janko was a newbie and simply enjoyed releasing multiple launchers and throwing grenades on his first mission.
“No one should tell him we did this. As far as we know, it's the job of a rival terrorist group", Ruff stated.

CHAPTER FOUR
Rahaman University was full to the brim unusually. Many students that hasn't been present to receive lectures for months unsurprisingly, turned out to be present, tumultuous crowd tripping to the premises. It was quite expected, owing to the fact that semester exams was around the corner. Registration of students were ongoing, as well as the end of semester assessment. Tafa's one week absent ended that day. His family situation had made him lose some part of his school activities. His father's health was above average, his mother had been buried two days ago, even though, he and his sister Fatima had little time for bereavement, the latter, still in shock about the turn of events. Part of Rita's money was put into use in moving his demise mother away from the morgue. The church was yet to make a decision concerning his request and luckily , his father was still breathing. As of that point, he seemed his prayers were answered. Tranquility was restored partially to his life. He moved one or two paces faster when he noticed a queue at the notice board, students who entered the premises joined the queue. A fellow student called out his name, in a boisterous crowded vicinity, he slowed his pace and then stopped to investigate the direction of the voice. It was at the second call that he envisioned his caller. It was his course mate Ali whom he hadn't seen for a while. Ali was one of those students who they nicknamed “other students ", a group of students, many considered unserious and nuisance. Like others, he scarcely receives lectures, unless when he deems it fit.
“Tafa, longest time man. I haven't seen you in a long while, what's up?
“Family issues guy. I lost my mother during the past week. So, kind of choked up. "
“Oh, that's so sad. Sorry for the demise. I will say RIP to her soul."
“Thanks. Am late already. Are you coming towards my direction? I can see we are walking in contrast. "
“I just want to pick up something from a friend at the library. Will catch up with you later in class". He dismissed Tafa and later called his attention to check the notice board where Tafa was originally going. Tafa quickly doubled his pace with fervour. He noticed the crowd looking at him with mockery at his emergence. He wondered the reason for the spurring eyes, the unnecessary attention which made him nervous. He advanced a little, the crowd had adjusted to let him space. He now understood the unusual attention when he checked he wouldn't partake in the upcoming semester exam, next week. He had an unpaid, outstanding fees from the previous semester, the only student not to. He buried his head in shame and walked away angrily, he couldn't stomach the mockery and jest, the wicked laughter the crowd pulled, calling him, “Empty president", “pauper of a Christian ", some said God himself will drop down to pay his fees and write the exams for him Himself and the rest of dehumanizing insults and at the end of each statements, they chuckled as they dispersed. To him, it was ridiculous to think that the people gathered there to despise him, even though his name wasn't the only one on the list and unethical to publish the names that should have been called privately to withdraw instead of being disgraced publicly. That was his opinion, some students weren't happy with his evangelism in school, the progress of the increase in the number of Christians was a pain to them, so they seized the perfect opportunity to debase him. Tafa himself had discussed with the bursar concerning payment, which was to give him more time to pay up. That was two weeks before, he opined to reach the bursar's office to find out his reason for breaching the agreement.
The office of school bursar was in the administrative building, where Tafa stopped at the door. After knocking once, a soft voice ushered him in. The school bursar was a man in his late sixties, vivacious and handsome for his age who could still be attractive to the opposite Sex. His head flooded with grey hairs, round face and broad nose enough to shelter a toddler, a protruded belly which is a common characteristic undoubtedly of African men at that age. It’s significance denotes his wealth and position.
“Good morning Sir"
“Tafa, what brings you to my office", peeved by his presence.
“Sir, I came in respect to the notice on… "
“And what about it?" he cuts in.
“Sir, with all due respect, I thought we had a mutual agreement on the… "
“That agreement has been terminated. I can't concur to the agreement. No payment, no schooling, no exams".
“But Sir, I promised to pay up all outstanding debt. My mother died last weekend and my father is in hospital. You have to show me mercy. "
“Not any more Mr. We operate on the directives of the board. I have a little say in all decision making and you can't thwart that. Please, go and get the payment ready."
“Please Sir, I know you still have an iota of pity in you, you can help me once more. "
“Get out of my office now or I call the security to be your escorts".
The look of pestilence on his face drove Tafa away. Adding further embarrassment to what he had encountered earlier was what he wanted to avoid. The bursar had always been very kind to him except of course, this exception he needed the most. He couldn't fathom why he didn't want to help him out, the board never had a say in his decisions and why now, perhaps, he was in one of those days everything went from bad to ugly. Could it be the bursar was telling the truth? Questions kept popping in his head about the veracity of his statement. He knew something was not right. It didn't bother him anymore that he couldn't get help from his regular, he wouldn't miss his last semester exam for anything and his alternative was to talk to his roommate, Rogers in as much as he despised the idea.
The school bursar hated what he did to Tafa. He gazed at the ceiling after the door was shut, abandoning the paper work he was doing. Sympathy overwhelmed him and he felt his judgement wasn't fair but he couldn't change what had already been done, in as much he hated to. The threats he was given to, the previous night by unknown masked men, he conceited were the members of the said popular cultists, group reverberated in his head. It happened on a Sunday, in a cozy and quiet evening where security patrol in the staff quarters was minimum in and outside the entire varsity. Kamal and Almin were completely clad in black sleeveless shirt and trousers, with a pistol, placed on their waist, tucked in. They walked stealthily to a bungalow house, the fourth house from the right hand side of the mosque, distant from the hostels. The varsity bursar was undressing himself inside the sitting room and getting prepared to rest for the night, after the long day at church where he was a worker. He heard a knock sound twice faintly, he wasn't expecting anyone except his fellow colleague, a lecturer who was away on a visit to his brother who got injured during the recent bomb explosion.
“Yes, who are you? "
“It's Dr Aliyu", came the voice of Almin.
“Oh, you are back finally. Thought you wouldn't be back till… " he became dazed at the sight of the masked gun men, each pointing a gun at him.
“Please, don't kill me", he kept retracting till he fell on his cushion.
“Please don't harm me, I will do whatever you ask of me. "
“Be quiet old man, you won't be hurt, if you do what I say".
“Yes, I will, I will", he said scarily.
“Haha, you don't need to be scared. Just a simple task for you to do. We know Tafa's financial in capabilities, he is handicapped at the moment and he is at your clemency of not dropping out if school right? The bursar nodded in confirmation.
“Answer me man, yes or no? "
“Yes, yes", he responded in a shiver.
“Good, I want you to act on the pretext of following the directives of the board to disallow him from participating in the forthcoming exams, attending lectures and disallowed to stay within the hostel till his debt is cleared. Am I understood?
“Yes, yes, yes. Perfectly understood. "
“Failure to comply to these instructions will attract so ugly, it's own reverberations you wouldn't want to witness."
“Yes, I understand ".
“Good. One more thing, this shouldn't be heard outside the walls of this room, not to anyone. Do you understand?"
“Yes, I understand ".
“Good old man. Enjoy your beautiful night". Kamal tapped him on his shoulders and departed with his partner. Mr Lawal let out a deep sigh of relief. Soon, he noticed he was wet underneath, he hadn't realized he had peed. The fright was overwhelming and he dashed towards his bedroom for a change.
Rogers sat on his bed, with game pads on his hand playing the Xbox console. He enjoyed playing games whenever he was bored or when he had no place to go. His friends weren't at their room when he knocked, wondered where they had been without him been informed but didn't consider it absurd since it wasn't an operation,it wasn't the first time it happened to him. He ventured his time into the game playing. Tafa walked in dejected, fazed by the circumstances surrounding him, the shock he hasn't recovered from in the Bursar's office, a man that has turned to be his judas. Slowly, he walked past Rogers into his bed;
“Hello,whats up dude? You just disappeared for the weekend. Why that face huh? " still, got his attention focused on the screen.
“Rogers, I know you are still my friend,I need you more than ever, you have to lend me your ears please."
“Yes, am listening", his full attention was on Tafa.
“You know my mum died in the hospital "
“Oh, am so sorry. That's terrible at a time like this. Was that your reason for your long absent from school?"
“That’s correct. In addition, you have heard the school has ordered all debtors to stay clear of campus until all debts are cleared."
“I over-heard that. So what's your point? ", Tafa thrust his head forward once more;
“I need some dough from you please, just to pay up to sit for the exams. I will pay back as soon as possible."
“Shit, you know this a hard time, I really don't have enough right now in the trunk. I would really love to help you but I can't".
“You can ask from your friends or something. I will pay back soonest. Rogers, I believe you can help me. " Rogers sprang to his feet and took dome paces around the room, he was sweating on his forehead, occasionally wipes it off with his handkerchief. Tafa, at each pace, prayed silently to receive a favourable answer.
“I can't help you"
“You can simply tell them it's you requesting it. There is no harm in it."
“You don't understand Roomie, these guys are everywhere, their eyes are all round. They will definitely know I helped you, am sorry I can't lie to them, I will be endangering myself if I do. You can have the money given to you in full if you do fulfil one obligation "
“And what is that?"
“If you join us. Tafa don't you see your are in a mess. Wealth will be like the speck of the dust if you agree to work with us". Tafa's hope were dashed, he wouldn't be so desperate to join a sect that is against his beliefs, against his christen Dom. Rogers persuasion in him joining was not understandable, even though it was for the obvious reason. Rogers hunkered beside him on the rig, his hands over his shoulders;
“Tafa, emancipate yourself from the slavery of poverty, your intransigent attitude will lead you to nowhere but cloud you in misery and anguish and you might not really know what the future holds for you. "
“Am not interested. All I want is your assistance and I know you wouldn't help me. Thank you." His borrowed phone rang, it was a call from the hospital where his father was;
“Tafa Waziri on the line… what… ok, I will be on my way… "
He hung up and dashed towards the door, he remembered he left his bag on the bed, Rogers inquired of the problem and when told that his father had another cardiac arrest, he hurried for a change of clothes. He had told Tafa he would try to raise some money from another source unknown to the Al-hida sect, which was unlikely, since he rarely talks to anyone outside his clique. Tafa prayed once more, saying the news shouldn't get worse. It was a critical moment for Tafa. He stated repeatedly that his Father will not die.

CHAPTER THREE CONTINUES
****************
Tafa and Rita stepped out of the taxi at the gate. It was a mild sunny afternoon, the sun was friendly and accommodating. Tafa had a peaceful night for the first time in days, his thoughts were elated and almost forgot he had a place to go as planned till Rita got him to wake up. He wished he could continue to sleep and never wake, if it means his problems going away. A night sleep, his late mother said was by a distance, a nature's gift too precious, so important to neglect. It washes away your strain and eases your mind from stress, makes you think of your problems lightly, proffers solutions that makes you felicitous. Tafa was feeling this way when he got up, his attitude, easily noticed by Rita. He anticipated a new dawn of hope, that which could save his dying father.
They ran pep Mel to the church building , a synonymous act with a prey, hunted by a predator. The church receptionist and attendant, a young beautiful plumb lady, who was reading her Bible had told them that Pastor Simon, the senior pastor, wasn't around but his assistant, Pastor James was. Pastor Simon was a young passionate preacher of the Gospel, finished his theological school at a young age. Before becoming senior pastor, he had been evangelizing for a few years, his excellent spirit which was apparently seen by all was the factor that made him climb the ladder of leadership, eventually selected to become the senior pastor, the youngest amongst other pastors. Tafa knocked twice on the door, they could hear him praying inside. They waited briefly before they were ushered in after he ended his prayers.
“Good afternoon pastor, "
“Good afternoon bro Tafa and sister Rita. How are you all?"
“We thank God, the Creator of everything."
“May his name be praised forever. Sit down please, to what do I owe this meeting. Bro Tafa, I didn't see you in the meeting yesterday, what happened? "
“Pastor forgive me, am sorry to say this but bad things happened to me this past few days. That was our reason for coming to see pastor Simon."
“What is the problem? "You can tell me."
Tafa couldn't disclose the fact. The origin of his pathetic story eluded his thoughts. The sadness clouded his mind so much he didn't know where to start from. His mouth was wide open, his lips smacking but the words couldn't come out. Rita on noticing his plight proceeded to tell.
“Pastor, Tafa's mother is in the morgue, and his father is in dire need of assistance to be flown abroad for a heart transplant. Tafa is in a mess. "
“Jesus Christ is Lord", the pastor himself got astonished by the terrible news. Tafa's survival in a bomb scare wasn't part of what she wanted to disclose. Pastor James was already bewildered by what he had heard, shook his head sideways displeasure.
“Am sorry for the demise of your mother. It's very unfortunate to hear what I just heard. God knows why all these are happening, He will give you the fortitude to bear her loss.
“Amen", both chorused.
“Have you set the burial date already, "
“Pastor, that is one my reasons for coming with Sister Rita. I need some assistance from the church, loan or anything to save my father. I will repay the church soon."
“What you are asking for is slightly impossible. The church doesn't have a provision for treatment of one's family member. Am sorry"
“Please Pastor, now is the ultimate time to come to our aid. We just need a small amount to add to ours. Am sure Bro Tafa will repay you sooner than expected, “Rita chipped in.
“I understand your plight but am not the senior pastor neither am I the owner of the church. "
“But you can help us talk to them, talk to the council on our behalf. Pastor, you can please."
“There are protocol, guidelines to abide by. It will take sometime to prepare the money. "
Rita and Tafa kept on insisting. Their persistence and demands, all but cut a frustrating figure from the assistant pastor. In as much as it wasn't in his power, he had the urge to help them one way or the other. He broke the long silence with a question he asked them about how much they needed, when he was told of the huge amount, he exclaimed. He thought for some minutes before giving his final verdict.
“I will see what I can do. I will give you a call later tomorrow, but am not giving you any assurance that it's going to go well"
“Thank you Pastor. Surely, I know it will go well", Rita stated confidently.
“We really appreciate your concern "
“It's God brethren. Let us pray".
They closed their and said a short prayer before finally departing.

CHAPTER THREE
President Ajuwa Williams stated in a press conference during the seven o'clock hour of the morning that every citizen of Baigari State not to be bothered by the qualms, caused by latest supposed terrorist attack in the state, citing the firm position and commitment of the military and other security agencies in taking absolute control of the situation and the need for quietude. The attack was the third to be launched in the month by the deadly unknown group, who had been in operation since the beginning of the new year. The terrorist group had been a concern to the nation and international organizations and each effort to combat it so far had been futile , the group grew from strength to strength , with each attack, unexpectedly orchestrated. The news was watched by former Minister of Iron and steel extraction, Alhaji Saheed Mohammed under the past administration in his emphatic sitting room, wide enough to host a presidential conference. Pictures of politicians hung on the wall in a frame in a circumference, like every other homes owned by a politician, it's settee, electrical appliances and gadgets, chandeliers, begonia on the center table added glamour and luxury. He himself was a man in his sixties, grey hairs appeared on his head and had oval glasses on, an ex-convict, convicted of corruption and falsification of figure. He dropped the glass of orange juice he had been sipping on the glass table, reached for the remote to switch of the television, retreated to his seat with murmur and lamentations on his lips.
“Arrant nonsense, sheer class of stupidity, this is the height of ignorance and arrogance. Imagine the pep talks”, he was reacting to the news, the words of the President and mimicking them at the top of his murmur. At the height of his lamentations, one his bodyguard led a man in kaftan after informing Alhaji Saheed of his arrival. Mr Bode Samson was his oldest friend and an eye for him in the present Government. He was a serving minister of infrastructural development. After engaging in each other's warm embrace and greetings, they finally settled down on the settee.
“Did you watch the news? It seems the Government is taking the last attack too likely. They seem the presence of the military men as a savior "
“Oh, I just was about to bring the topic up, it's good for business that they take it likely, the silly things he said, I think he hasn't realized what I am turning this state into yet. How long does he think the masses will continue to believe in him? In his power to eradicate the impending menace, just like when he put me in prison and some of my colleagues? ".
“Not for long, I assure you. He hasn't yet and very soon he, would open his eyes to the realization that he has been ousted from the Apex house. "
“Very true Honourable. Oh, what a series of surprises that awaits this sorry Government. I will launch another attack by and by. I need to keep the media and the Government busy while I continue my plan of endorsing the Vice President. Elections is around the corner you know.
“Don't you think the next attack is sudden? We should lay low before launching next when they don't expect "
“I don't think so. We will only plan for it and then, relax to see how things pan out. Give some minutes, let me make a call to my loyal servants", he picked his beside him and dialed the numbers.
*************
A yellow painted building stood some meters away from the campus gate. The inscription, well above it was “Danladi Hostel", one of the male and oldest hostels building in Rahaman University. It was first class hostel, only the affluent could afford it's exorbitant fee. In one of the rooms, which was well furnished, embellished with enormous poster of Chelsea football team logo on the left side of the wall, pop artiste logo on the right, a Dolby sound system which produced sound so loud that dominated the room, game console on the center, a medium size refrigerator beside it. Adjacent it was a medium size bed and some upholstery. The room itself was large, maybe the largest of all rooms in the hostel. Reason for choosing the room was obvious, more like a room where meeting was held. More than eight men stayed in or went out frequently. There were four men inside this time, sitting on the edge of the bed, wearing a white vest and black trouser, some where chest nude. Each of them held a lighted cigarette and smoking, another group of three rascals, not as good looking as the former sat on the red rug, each one drank from their bottle of gin and played chess. They unusually maintained silence. Only the loud music was heard and their head which danced to the rhythm. Apparently, they awaited the arrival of another, each time, one of them stood to check the corridor. Then, they stopped the music, suspended their activities when the door knob cracked open, the person they had been waiting finally arrived, he was of a giant and dark complexioned, and had a big scar on his right cheek. He proceeded to the refrigerator and got a beer. These men were the Al-hida terrorist group. They resided in the hostel as students they weren't and rented a room for themselves to divert public attention and for the purpose of school protection . Campus students misinterpreted them as cultists and endeavored not to associate with them, though there was no substantial proof that they were cultists, It was a general belief they were. Some of them had been graduates of various discipline, but then frustration set in as a result of unemployment, one of the degrading factors of the past administration and then, each of them became a political tool in the hands of a man they never knew was a fulcrum in it. They were made to believe falsely it was a revenge mission they had been enacting on government officials, mainly the President and members of his cabinet whom they also believe has a skeleton in his closet, that transited from the past administration, a punishment for their evilness that they considered just. That common faith bonded them strongly. Rogers had been a member since his first year in school like other first year members, the pay was a factor for joining and had no need, of getting away. Schooling was no longer his priority as the pay. Rogers intelligence and diligence made way for him in the ladder and he was now in the same rank as senior members.
“It was a good job you all did back there, launching two different attacks in two different states at the same time, it was marvelous. Once again, we are on top of our game. We have the government on their knees. Send my greetings to the rest of our members ", he commended them after exchanging greetings. Taking two gulp of his beer, Ruff set out to continue in his thick voice.
“We need more men, our next operation may be demanding ", he continued, “Men who are tired of life, I just don't mean the ordinary, great thinkers."
“It is very a tedious task. The preaching’s going about, everyone on campus, one way or the other is inclined to the Christian faith. No one will like to compromise his or hers", stated Kamal, another member.
“It's that simple, we tame the neck and the head falls off. Everyone is afraid of us, it shouldn't be so tedious, “he paused for a while, his subordinates looked lost at what he said. It was nearly impossible to them to bring more.
“The head of their Christian Fellowship is in a terrible mess, a weakness we can use to lure him, the rest follows. Don't ask me how I knew. Information spreads really fast."
Rogers seemed ignorant of what was happening, even when Ruff fixed his gaze at him , his mind was far off. Ruff was talking about Tafa to them. The latter was the President of Christian Fellowship Association, a subsidiary of a Pentecostal church outside the University. Campus meetings and weekly fellowship were held on campus and on Sundays, at the main church outside. Ruff understands Rogers more than the rest, obviously taunted as his heir, his earlier gaze at him was giving Rogers, room to expound on his theory. When asked if he was okay, Rogers stated he was absolutely fine. When asked about how his roommate was responding to the call, he stated it wasn't going well.
“He hasn't given up yet, he is still stuck hard to his beliefs. I don't see it changing in the nearest future. "
“He won't stick for long. I have plans for him. Tafa is intelligent, his intelligence won't go for nothing and I pretty much like him. If we are to think ahead, we need him amongst us. Only fate will bring him to us. He would come to us like a stranger looking for comfort and when he comes, we will be worst than we are". Ruff doesn't make empty promises, his forecast never for once had failed to come true. Sometimes, he went by the nickname "the prophet”. They chanted in chorus, their sect song.
“Death traps, Death traps, that is what we are called. Death traps, Death traps. ". Ruff's mobile phone beeped thrice before receiving it.
“Good morning Alhaji ",
“Hope you and the boys are safe",
“Yes, we are",
“Good, you have another attack to launch surreptitiously. You and the boys should get prepared, strategize the bombing of cupala square and it's surroundings. I will tell you the day before the day of the launch. "
“Yes, Alhaji, we will do as you say."
“Your pay will be doubled this time, “he hung up.
“We have job to do guys".
***************
Mr Bode Samson giggled at Alhaji Saheed after replacing his mobile phone, the latter reciprocating . He was always present during his timely call to his “special servants" whenever the needs arises. Alhaji Saheed was his godfather, responsible for putting him into politics. He had been his loyal son ever since and promised to do the impossible to help him on any matter regardless of anything.
“He always respond to your call anytime. They seem to be enjoying their duty", referring to Tafa.
“Of course. Why wouldn't they? Money talks and everyone obeys like servants. Do you know how I met Ruff?
“I haven't gotten the chance to ask and you didn't have the time to tell me"
“Well, am telling you now. I picked Ruff on the street twenty-four years ago. He was just five, homeless and devastated. I adopted him, became his foster father, took him as my own flesh and blood, educated him and then I knew he will be so pivotal in future. We lost contact at a point, by then he was able to train himself by the business he did. We found ourselves again on the same path, the exact perfect time my first son was sentenced to lifetime imprisonment for smuggling drugs. The frustrations of being jobless had gotten to him by that time as a result of our clique, his business collapsed and had no choice but to be the man he is now, to ease his frustrations and believe a ridiculous story of revenge. Interesting isn't it?
“Very indeed. He must really be indebted to you for the rest of his life. "
“Absolutely, he is," he gulped to the last drop of his orange juice in excitement and then in fury when he reminisces the imprisonment of his son, which came after the death of his wife in an auto crash. Few months later, he was imprisoned for corruption, a sad memory he rode on till present.
“I gave him a purpose, something to live for and fight. He got a team, he knows how he got them and then, the belief was enacted”, he took another gulp and continued.
“How can your own people turn their back against you in favour of a man who isn’t their ethnicity, betray you in the process. It’s like a dog who hunts his fellow animals and man’s enemies for the favour of man, their owners. They voted for Ajuwa Williams instead of Mallam Ali Nurudeen. They will suffer for their actions, this government will wear out like a dilapidated structure by and by, I promise, “he swore to himself.
It was apparent, cupala square was chosen because of the next ruling party convention and rally scheduled to hold. The date of event hadn't been made public yet but there was a certainty that it would be held at the square. It will be crowded to the brim and will be the perfect timing to launch. Ruff finished addressing his guys about their new mission after he hung up, he proceeded to wear his Jean and shirt, which he had removed while relaxing and went out. He needed to have a birds view of the place and run some things personally.

To be continued tomorrow.
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CHAPTER TWO CONTINUES....



“Excuse me nurse, I would like to see a patient that was brought in some minutes ago", the ebony looking nurse was busy with sorting the names of other people who had come to identify the casualties that were victims of the accident. It took a moment before they got the attention of the nurse who had dismissed some of them.
“What is the patient's name? "
“Aisha Waziri"
“Oh, the patient that came in unconscious. She was in ward twenty - four. But you should wait to see the doctor on duty, he has requested to see you.
“But we were told to come here immediately ".
“Yes, the patient was taken to ICU, she needed rapt attention and was moved from the ward. You can sit in the hallway or wait in the ward.
“Ok, we will."
The building was painted white and blue inside, giving it a cool feeling, the same colour on the outside, embellished with some wonderful arts, pictures of past Medical Directors hung in frames on the wall. Gradel hospital was a renowned hospital, the oldest and best in the state. Critical operations and procedures were carried out by doctors with robust knowledge in respective fields, whose expertise could be relied upon. Tafa sat silently and prayed fervently, a contrast to Mr Joshua's pacing about and mumbles, a normal characteristic of a man whose spouse was absolutely in comatose and had no option but voice his frustrations and anger and impatience in mumbling words and pacing to and fro.
“Papa, everything will be fine. Don't you think mama will survive this? You are taking it quite unlikely like it is out of reach. "
“How do you expect me to react? Sit down and imagine a perfect picture of a world without pain and suffering or reach for a candy bar in my pocket like a child, sit in front of a television and watch an animation. Doesn't it look like it's getting serious? We have seen nothing, no doctor, or nurse to give us an update and we have spent almost an hour here. Nothing is alright at all. "
“I understand papa, she has you and me fighting for her here. She will be fine."
“I don't think you understand my son. she is in a transition of life and death and I am extremely worried".
A young doctor finally was spotted coming out of the ICU. His manner suggested something wasn't right. His look gave a compunction. Tafa and his father raced down the hallway to inquire.
“Doctor, please, how is she. Am her husband, Joshua Waziri "
“Is my mom alive"
“Am so sorry we couldn't......... "
“No, impossible. I can't lose my wife to the clutches of death. How would my life turn into?
“No, she can't just die like that".
“Am sorry, she lost so much blood that we couldn't replace. She is brain dead and is helped with the aid of a machine to breathe. That's the painful, obvious truth. Am sorry for your loss", the doctor said and left.
Tafa was left devastated, resulted in slamming his forehead with his palms. His belief and faith had been dashed away by the unfortunate circumstance, completely dazed at how his mother death had occurred. In the middle of his conscious thinking, Mr Joshua breathed heavily, his heart rate beat abnormally and surreptitiously, he collapsed in the hallway, placing his hand on his chest. Tafa raised an alarm immediately, some nurses came to his aid and carried him on the stretcher. Tafa only prayed it wouldn't be a negative coincidence, on the same day, losing both parents.
Tafa learnt from the doctor his father suffered from Ischemic apoplexy and had a weak heart the morning of next day. He stayed in the hospital all day, all night. The doctor had done well to contain it so far but a huge bill was slammed on Tafa, who had to take his mother away from the morgue and take care of his dying father, who needed a heart transplant. He sprang to his feet, left the hospital with a ball point pen and a notepad in his left and right pocket of his black trouser, wandered through the street like a vagabond, murmuring to himself as he went by, lost in desperation to find the initial deposit and what to do next. Passers-by fixed their gazes at him and wondered if he was sane or otherwise by walking like that in the morning when everybody was on their way to their respective work places, noticing the eyes of the onlookers following home up, an idea struck his head, he would opt to go and see his employer Mr. P whom he had been working for recently, he still owed him money which he thought, was the right time to collect. Mr. P resided half a mile away from where he was and considered it unnecessary to take a taxi to a place where he could walk. Moreover, he had nothing on him to board one. The sun rays was blazingly hot, as if to burn down the earth. Tafa walked under this hot temperature on a street that people were actually, slowly dispersing as a result of the harsh rays, though on a normal day was one of the busiest street. “Clean street" it was nicknamed even though, it was just quite ironical. Heaps of wastes littered on the side lane. Many had the notion that Mr P only lived here and did business here even when he had the option of doing it elsewhere because he was dirty and stingy. He lived there for ages and wasn't the nicest of people to deal with when it comes to money. He was a stout man in nature with protruded belly, dark in complexion, a bald hair that could reflect ones image when exposed to the sun. Majority of the kiosks and shops were owned by him and he drafted specific rules even though he does the opposite. Like wearing new clothes everyday and never repeat the next time even when he himself could wear the same clothe for a month. Tafa finally got there after two hours of walking, exhausted and dehydrated. Only a sachet of water was his companion through out the journey which, he bought with his last note. A boy about half his age was present in one of the kiosks, dozing. Tafa hit him softly on his back but was unmoved, instead gave a loud snoring. Tafa knew he was a heavy sleeper and decided to hit him with a stick which, made him Jerk to his feet.
“Oga Tafa, welcome ", recognizing who he was.
“How are you Mujeeb?"
“I dey fine Oga Tafa", he replied in pidgin English
“Where is Mr.P?"
“Oga Mr. P no dey, him talk say he wan go market. He go come back soon ", he answered.
“Ok, let me wait for him then."
“Oga Tafa, you go fit wait so, he fit delay small. Go, come back later "
“I will wait here still. Am coming from a far place, I don't have the luxury to go and come back"
“Oga Tafa, any problem as hour face come strong like this? You lose person? "
Tafa didn't want to respond by telling him his plight. It will only spur him to ask more questions which he wanted to avoid. He was in no mood to play the criminal and Mujeeb, the detective. The latter returned to his seat, not sleeping but now taking a swipe at his phone. Tafa got more infuriated by the delay, his expression, marked by the fact he had no time to while away, the exigency demanded him to be quick. Thirty minutes had gone by, still like a beggar, he had no choice but to wait. A blue truck halted in front of the kiosk, a stout man in nature with protruded belly, dark in complexion, a bald hair that could reflect ones image when exposed to the sun stepped out from the front seat, Mujeeb hurriedly gave a hand, Tafa had been depleted by the long walk and he began to have muscle cramps on his legs. He helped, pack the goods into the kiosk. Mr.P's vivacious face turned into a fury when his gaze met with Tafa on getting to the entrance, he hadn't noticed Tafa's, presence until that time.
“Good afternoon Sir",
“Tafa, how are you? What are you doing here? It's not your shift yet. "
“Sir, I know it isn't my shift yet, I came to collect my outstanding balance. My father is ill and demands urgent treatment".
“See Tafa, am sorry for your father's I'll health but I have got no money to give you now. You just saw where I came from. The economy is unfavorable, maybe you should come back in the morning tomorrow after working tonight's shift. "
“But Mr. P, I.......",
“Listen, I hate to repeat myself. I will pay you, not just now". Mr. P, on loaded the last set of cartons, Tafa looked befuddled by the outcome of his long walk under the sun which he summarized as a futile journey, that was his last hope of saving his father. Now he was to bow out without uttering a word when another truck was sighted, thought it was Mr.P's goods that wanted to be delivered but it stopped abruptly halfway, men fully masked with guns descended and opened fire sporadically, people ran helter skelter, it was the same unknown group people were already guessing as terrorists that had been wrecking havoc in the geopolitical zone. Tafa took to his heels but by then, several bombs had exploded and bullets riddled the bodies on the ground, Mujeeb and Mr. P on the facade, Tafa was hit and fell on his back.
***********
Tafa woke up from his slumber, initially thought he was dead for a while, surprised by his own astonishment that he was alive and well and not in the land of the spirits. He was surrounded by military men who safeguarded the street now and the Emergency Disaster Agency team who carried off the lying bodies. Tafa was fully conscious of where he was, he found himself lying in the refuse after the explosion occurred. His arms and legs were soaked in his blood, dead bodies flanked him as he rose to his feet with groaned pain, several cars and houses had collapsed, he glanced at a distance and his eyes met with the shattered bodies of Mujeeb and his employer, and the burnt truck that transported his goods, his kiosk were all gone. The message was clear, Tafa would never be able to get his pay from Mr.P. He stood transfixed, bereft of what to do next, more Emergency Disaster Unit service personnel pervaded and ambulances drove away, swiftly, an idea struck him which prompted him to reach for his pocket, only to discover that his mobile phone had been smashed as a result of the explosion, after much scrutiny, he found his SIM card too broken. No taxi was available, he wandered a little and found an undamaged motorcycle, the owner was probably a victim of the explosion, the key was lost, he found an astray compass on the floor fortunately, he inserted the pair inside the key hole and it made a zoom sound, he hopped inside and drove off to Rita's apartment.
Tafa knocked twice on the door, it appeared to him no one was inside, the curtain was not raised and it seemed dark, but then, he guessed Rita was never away by evening on Mondays, she hated it as a result of the security situation going on, any church meeting probably must have ended by then. Rita lived in a bungalow, having opted not to live inside the school's premises. The fear of cultism in school convinced her into living outside, she considered it irrationally stupid to live among them when she knew the dangers involved. Tafa convinced himself that she wasn't away, he knocked again, this time fiercely, calling out Rita's name. He paused for a second, quick footsteps was heard inside, door knob cracked open and Rita, starred him on his bruised face, astonished ;
“Tafa, what the hell happened to you? I have been trying to reach you on the phone," ushering him inside.
“The bomb blast, I was there when it happened. I lost my phone in the process. "
“So I heard in the news. I was so scared, that's why I didn't respond to your knocks. Am sorry",
“No, you were protecting yourself. Am also sorry for not helping out with church activities. Things got a little bit nasty"
“It's ok, am happy that you are alive, that's what is important. You were badly injured, let me take you to the hospital. "
“No, don't bother, I will be fine here. Don't want to slam any bill on you."
“Don't say that, your life is important, you are bleeding"
“The bleeding will stop okay. It's just that am in a complicated situation right now. "
“If you insist. I have some medication for you here that will ease your pain but first, you have to eat."
Tafa said nothing. He had been hungry for days without food. The thoughts of his dead mother, his dying father and the fact that he survived miraculously in a bomb blast, all overwhelmed him, so much that he couldn't think straight anymore and his appetite, long gone. Rita's apartment had been his own home of refuge whenever he was in crisis, a comfort zone he cherished. He believes his problems go away whenever he was there, solutions he had never thought of pops up. Rita served him, a plate of fried eggs and plantain. Tafa gobbled it, Rita watched in awe as he left the plate empty.
“I presume you haven't eaten, by your manner",
“No, I won't lie, I haven't since yesterday, before visiting the hospital ".
“Not to the point of not eating. Why did you go to the hospital by the way?"
There was a sudden change of mood in his face, the call of a hospital once again brought back bad memory of his late mother's death. He couldn't help stomaching the thought of being an orphan. In as much as he restrained the formation of tears in his eyes from being released, the downpour finally came.
“What is the problem? Are your parents sick or what? Tell me what happened. "Rita asked inquisitively. Tafa burst out crying heavily.
“Tafa, please, talk to me. We can solve any problem together remember",
“My mother died yesterday in an accident and my father suffered a cardiac arrest. If I don't act quickly, my father may die also",
“Oh my God, your mother died and you didn't call me, you didn't inform me of what is going on?"
“It happened so fast that I was befuddled of what to do. Am sorry. "
“It's ok. It is well. How much is the bill?"
“five hundred thousand ",
“That is much"
“It is. I don't know what to do. How do I get the money? Why are all these happening to me? "
“Don't complain Tafa. Do you think God isn't watching what is happening? He will surely see us through. When there is a way, there is a will.
“I have had that same faith all the time. My family is inflicted with one thing or the other. My father lost his job and got duped and now in the hospital, my mother is now late, younger brother has dementia. What can faith possibly solve? "
“Everything, it can solve all things. Don't talk like an unbeliever. That is not who you are."
“Ok, what am I to do now? "
“We can go to the church for some assistance, then add to it with whatever I have to complete it. "
“Thank you Rita a million times, I never could have done anything without you. You have always been my backbone. "
“That is because I love you as a brother. Get some rest, we would be there by tomorrow morning. I will go and prepare where you will lie for the night". Tafa washed himself of in the bathroom, returned to where his bed was so nicely made, he bid her goodnight and invited her to lie beside him which she reluctantly but gladly accepted.

To be continued tomorrow....
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http://youngicee.com/2018/10/angel-and-the-fugitive-chapter-2-part-b.html

The story continues..... Your comments will be well appreciated......




CHAPTER TWO
It was 11 am in a bright Sunday morning. The power-filled blissful service had just ended in Saviour church, built with glassy surface material as well as with fine marbles, giving it a radiating appearance from afar. The white building was built on a three to four hectares measurement, up to 100 ft. tall and had a sign of a big golden carved cross at the apex. It's architectural design was revered by onlookers and added glamour to the street on which it was erected. Each member were slightly engaged in one form of discussion or the other in groups , while some stood outside, bidding farewell to departing members. Tafa and Rita waited behind for their end of the month executive meeting which was slightly encroaching into Tafa's time. The executive meeting usually took a lot time, several plans and suggestions were laid on how to improve the welfare of the church and members and a lot of review was carried out on how the church had progressed like most churches. Tafa got accompanied by Rita to the check point, the latter needed to remain behind for the new comers meeting while the former excused himself to go see his parents which Rita was ignorant of till he accompanied him to the check point.
“You never told me it was your parents you planned on visiting. I thought it was your home you were going. "
“ Am sorry, I said home but didn't demystify that it was my parents', it has been long I have seen them you know. I think it's the perfect time to see them, they would be less busy"
“ I think so. Nobody gets so busy on Sundays. So you are going to spend some days with them? "
“ Yes, maybe two days. I don't have lectures tomorrow so I can stay for a while"
“ Hmmmm, " she heaved a sigh.
“ what's the matter? ", he asked after noticing an oddity on her face.
“ Nothing. It's fine I presume "
“ Oh Rita it's not. You are going to miss me. That's the feeling you have got"
“ Nothing of such. Well, something like that. You know the praise night programme is huge, the preparation and all that. My hands are tied and I need you to be available to help me out. But I don't want to be the spoiler in your own plans. "
“ Hey, it would be fine. It's just two days and I promise to be back in time to help out. You can have other member of the executive to help out for now"
“ Ok", her face still unchanged. It was a matter she couldn't have a say and never had. She had developed a chemistry with Tafa in executing projects in church or in school that she had with no one. Sometimes, she questions her feelings for him and most times resolves that he was still her normal friend with benefits only for the question to pop in her head the next time. She wouldn't want to be the first to take the ultimate step in succumbing and declaring her romantic feelings with the obsessive fear of ending the friendship abruptly even though it manifests in her expressions continually. Tafa considered her as another sister with the rarest of quality and not romantically inclined to her as she to him.
“ Alright, I will be back tomorrow noon"
“ No, spend time with you family "
“ It's ok. My mind is made up. Tomorrow noon."
“Ok then", her face was beginning to glow a little but felt guilty at the same time about Tafa's decision. She must have made him change his mind about spending an extra day which she imagined was selfish of her.
“ You don't have to feel I forced you into taking that decision. "
“ And you don't have to feel guilty either. I have to go now, aurevoir."
“ Aurevoir, extend my greetings to them"
“ That, I will surely do. Take care of yourself ".
He flanked down a taxi that came by five minutes after Rita had gone back to the church.
“ Pallet junction"
"Ok, before or after the eatery? ", asked the old mean looking driver.
“ After the eatery"
“Three hundred naira is price"
“ This is a Sunday now, I can't pay you that amount. One hundred and fifty naira. "
“Hmmmm, Mr, that place is very distant and road, untarred. I can't take less. Another taxi will charge you more".
After a bit of haggle, the driver succumbed and ordered Tafa to step in. He wouldn't want to go home directly, he would, drop by the local market and get some good stuffs before embarking finally.
It took almost two hours to reach, a journey Tafa himself thought was unending prior to when they took off after the buying. It was almost four, the sun still appeared in the sky but was quite harmless unlike few hours before when the earth burned with its emission. From that time, Tafa couldn't bear staying further in the outside even though, he was in a taxi. He wanted to get home quickly. Each time, he hurried the driver to take shorter routes and drive faster but it wasn't entirely his fault. Each time, they are met with road blocks and security checkpoints, flooded with military personnel which further delayed their movement. Security situation in Baigari State had deteriorated and deserved rapt attention and that accounts for the heavy deployment of military personnel in the State. Tafa paid the driver as he alighted in front of a tree where motor able road terminated, Tafa would have to take another long walk to his house which was now, a touching distance. It was an underdeveloped vicinity by its look, refuse littering the street and the gutters, stagnant water not drained. A yellow painted bungalow stood in front of him, no elements of a modern house was found in it but was finely built in its own way, compared to the houses found there which were unpainted and oddly built. Tafa knocked twice before hearing the sound of footsteps coming towards the door. A young girl, still in her adolescence opened. It was his younger sister.
“Hey brother! We weren't expecting you. Welcome home", helping him gather his luggage.
“It isn't wrong for a brother to visit home. I wanted to pay you all a surprise visit."
“ I never said it was wrong brother "
“Just joking. Where is everybody"
“They are all inside except mama. Oh, papa is here already ".
“ Good evening papa", he greeted.
“My son, how are you? Such a long time ", asked his father. By his smile, he was a relatively young man who had known suffering and so, his mild face depicted it with wrinkles clouding it. His eyes was as red as a scarlet, probably had just woken up from his sleep and didn't look as chirpy as he used to.
“Am fine papa. You don't look radiant today", observed Tafa.
“Yes, I don't. I was taking a nap when I heard your voice. I had to get up and see you. You haven't changed significantly since your last visit."
“Yes, I haven't. How can I? It's a survival game we are all in. The suffering is unbeatably unbearable. I haven't gotten a pay from my part-time job, so there is no room for enlargement whatsoever Papa."
“So how did you get to buy all these? "
“My church has been helpful a bit and God being on my side"
“It's all a bit a complicated situation we are all in. I assure you, we will survive through this.".
“I believe we will. You shouldn't have bothered coming out to see me. I will spend my night here. "
“It's ok son. Am happy after all".
“I was told by Fatima that mama wasn't around "
“Oh yes. She left a few minutes ago, shortly before your arrival. She had gone to her friend's place to get some food items."
“I assume no one has eaten yet?"
“None, since morning, replied his father, bluntly.
“Hmmmm, Fatima will get it done quickly, never mind"
“lest I forget, how is my beautiful daughter doing? "
“Who are you referring to papa?"
“The young girl you brought home after the vigil. "
“Oh, Rita is very fine. She sends her greetings too to you all."
“That's so wonderful. Oh poor me, "gazing at the white peeled ceiling, “a destitute, immersed in pauperism, how indigent I am that I cannot provide for my family, and I am still alive. Oh, poor me", he lamented. He always does anytime he remembers his plight, the way he was relieved of his job during the past tenure, the way he lost all his savings from his diligent service to fraudsters, casting a compelling frustrating figure ever since. He had been living a life of just mere hope.
“It wasn't your fault you were caught in a scandal that cost you your job, you are the most diligent man I have ever known of. "
“I am a rabble in the face of everyone. Such a pity"
"Your statements are not good for the ears at all. Today is Sunday, a new day of the week. Optimism is supposed to be the order of the day. "
A little bit of calm was restored, the movements of Fatima in the kitchen, clinking of the pots and spoon were the only sound that was heard. Tafa had been the source of encouragement to his family, even when it seems to be depressed by the negativity surrounding him, he strives to be there when needed by them. A responsibility that had been inborn in him as the first child of his parents.
“Where is Ibrahim now? How is he doing? "
“He is still in the local clinic, deteriorating as usual, his constant hallucinations and delusion are progressive. And we can't afford to get the treatment advanced."
“What is the cost of the treatment? "
“Three hundred and fifty thousand naira"
“Hmmmm, that's a whole lot "
“It's not their fault, psychoactive drugs are expensive, the whole treatment is out of our reach at the moment"
“Ibrahim will be alright, we will get the money and treatment will commence immediately ".
Mr. Joshua's phone began to vibrate on the table, Tafa reached for it and handed it over to his father, the caller ID was unidentified. Mr Joshua never had a strange number calling him. Every number he answers is due to the fact that he had each one of them saved or written in a small-sized diary which he carries about in his pocket. His main reason for this scepticism was the last time he received a strange number, it plunged him into a scandal that got him lose his job. Ever since, he had been living with that phobia of plunging into another trouble that could cause him his entire family. After checking his diary and saw nothing, he instructed Tafa to answer it.
“Hello, please who is this? "
“This is Gradel hospital calling, am I speaking with Mr Joshua Waziri?"
“No, the son, how may I be of assistance to you".
“Am sorry, but your mother just had a head collision in an accident along Ramon way. She is right here now. "
“What? Is she alive?"
“Well, I can't guarantee that at the moment, she has lost a lot of blood but still breathing. "
“Ok, we will be there shortly", he hung up.
“What is the problem son? "
“Mama just had an accident"
“Oh my God, is she still alive? "
“I don't know, she is in a critical state. We should get going now".
Fatima was ignoramus of what was happening, Mr Joshua called for her and told her to take care of the house. When she decided to inquire what happened, Mr Joshua lied they were both going to a place of importance and that she would be briefed when they gets back. Fatima was insatiable by their statement but never argued. Mr Joshua and Tafa had already gone, involving Fatima will be unwise, she too had been through a lot, it was their own way of protecting a family member from breaking down.


To be continued tomorrow....
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http://youngicee.com/2018/10/the-angel-and-the-fugitive-chapter-two-part-a.html

CHAPTER ONE

Three years later, eleven months to elections;
The clock struck 3.45 pm. Wind blew to and fro, caressing his body gently, stimulating his hair follicles so as they all stood at an attention, like a subordinate, paying respect to a superior command. From the currant bushes beside emanated sweet smelling fragrance filtering the air, reaching his nostrils which his nose couldn't help but inhale more and more of it. Sitting on an iron bench near an evergreen tree, he went back in retrospect, reminiscing the catastrophic events that had happened to him in ephemeral chronologically. Everything had gone south in his life, so much had happened, so much that he began to have a little doubt about his faith, his existence and purpose on earth. But he continued to hold on to his undying faith in God like he had always done, believing he is perfect control.
He buried his head in his palms, closed his eyes and meditated on where to go from there. The act was stopped when a lady dressed courteously, her hair wrapped in a brown headscarf around her forehead, in her right hand was a king James version of her Bible tapped him on his shoulders. That was the person he had been waiting for under the tree.
"Tafa", she called out slowly when she saw he wasn't responding to her touch. His mind wasn't with him that moment. The call of his name seemed to have brought him back to reality from his cloud of immersing in thoughts.
"oh, Rita you are here finally "he responded.
" what are you thinking about? Don't tell me it's still the same old thinking of yours", she asked and sat beside him on the other side of the empty seat with Tafa adjusting slightly to accommodate her sitting position.
"Hmmmm. What would you have me doing in my position?"
“Pray of course and leave God to do the rest" she replied him
“ I don't think you understand. I don't think my ever growing problems will ever go away. They keep coming, coming and coming, most times even re-occurring "
“ Don't talk like an unbeliever. Your position as a child of God cannot be compromised. Have you forgotten what the scriptures say?"
" I haven't but it seems all is vacuity, I feel empty, overwhelmed with so much confusion and rage within me. When am I going to get my reward for my consistent work am doing for the church, for Christ? When my bones will be too weak to lift me up and carry me about or what? "
" I don't know Tafa, it isn't in my position to answer that but there is hope for anyone who is still existing on earth. He knows your tribulations. Don't sound so defeated yet”, stretching towards his shoulders with her soft hands, patting him calmly like a crying turbulent baby in need of his mother's presence.
"I have done everything practically within my power to get out of my predicament, this reproach that is eating me up but it seems I never tried at all. Am losing hope every moment of the day ".
" Don't you see you have done your best as a man, leave the rest to God. All things work for good for those that ultimately believe in Him. I know you to be a strong willed believer. "
He breathed heavily, at each interval, releasing a big amount of air. Her soothing words once again has given him a glimpse of hope to hold on. Dimples began to appear on his cheeks, glimpse of smile appeared on his face. He had known for only a short time, when they met at a matriculation ceremony few months back, during their first year. Now, they were both in their second year, a troublesome and hectic year for Tafa. From their subsequent meetings, he grew to become so familiar with her that he learnt they both had the same principles, objectives and built on the same Christian background. He was raised in a staunch Catholic home, by disciplined parents whereas she was in an Anglican home. Grew to have a strong bond so that they took turns in going into each other's church every Sunday till one Sunday, Tafa decided to be a permanent member of hers, eventually becoming a choir master. Things began to go south in his first semester of his second year, losing his distant brother in an accident, his father duped of his invested money, was a real shock to him. His mother was the breadwinner with her trading business, a source of livelihood for everything done at home or outside.
"Thank you Rita for always been there for me at the right moment. "
" It's ok. What are church members and friends for? Let's bow our heads and pray".
************
University campus students seemed to be in their busiest night, clothed in all white uniform matching outfits and attires. It was a day set aside by students to have an awards night to honour final year students, like a sent forth party, the most eventful activity on campus. Security officials were roaming to ensure tranquility and order, the hall which was the host venue were filled like the Sands of the earth, breaking space was minimum. It was 8.14 pm, the white sumptuous agbadas began to flood in one after the other, the deans of various departments, vice chancellor, provosts and registrars, driven by their skinny drivers in their luxurious cars while they themselves had a protuberance of their stomachs like expectant mothers. Invitations extended to other respected figures in the state also which was one of the factors that made the event so grand.
In a pea-sized room, the decor nothing in comparable with a newly renovated building, quite furnished with a Music player set, two beds placed on a red carpet and a love seat cushion which added supple to the room. Tafa sat on his bed, clad in his spotted pyjamas and meditated on his Bible reading. His roommate, Rogers who sang melodiously to the walls of his enclosure in a wrapped towel, proceeded out of the bathroom. A look of surprise appeared on his face when his gaze met Tafa still not dressed up. He reached for his vests and boxers.
“ Don't tell me you are not going ", he asked.
“ You are right, am not" he replied not looking up at him.
“ Oh, I thought as much, your religion and unbelievable staunch beliefs wouldn't let you betray them. "
Tafa said no word neither did the muscular figure beside him say nothing, graduating into a long silence. Rogers who was intelligently unreligious, and quite the opposite of Tafa had been his roommate since the first year, rarely talked about his background and reserve about his personal life. Tafa found it strange at first but had to forgo his questions about him and decided to be his friend. Barely went for lectures but never stays in his room. No one knew how Rogers survives or his source of livelihood which many described as a mystery or any of his history. He lived quite an exquisite life and had few friends. He didn't care about anything said about him and never felt squeamish, he had that notion that he was too protected to be a victim of circumstance.
He compounded himself in the usual white outfit with silhouette, a pair of suede shoes he picked from his wide range of shoe selection in his wardrobe to compliment it.
“ Rogers, what do you think about my proposal yesterday? He asked, breaking the long silence.
“ What proposal? " he asked, surprisingly.
“coming to church this Sunday with me. I will really be glad if you come and........"
“No, am not considering that. I have told you numerous times am never interested and will never be. "he cuts in, dressing himself in front of the mirror and talking to his reflection.
“ I don't believe in Heaven or hell as you already know"
“ No, don't act like you don't care, you have an iota of goodness and a purpose of why you are sent to this earth. You can't achieve that unless you come to Him and.......... "
“ Spare me your Hula Baloo" Rogers cut in.
“ Am in no mood for your sermon this night. Let's do the mathematics, seeing us both, who do you think has a better life, rich, I don't need to answer that. Your faith should have made you well, your beliefs should have uplifted you but the reverse is the case. You dwell in poverty. Aren't you a fool for preaching what isn't working for you? I guess not because you still go out and blab about Him."
“ Don't talk about my faith in a dishonouring way like that. He's a God of mercy. And am sure my time is coming. "
“ Why do you keep deceiving yourself, denying the infallible truth that you serve some sort of an invincible non-existent spirit? I have a way out of this misery your passing through, only if you can open your eyes to see. Let me in Tafa."
“ I reject your offer in any way. He never forsakes His own people."
“ Am your friend, I can never deceive you. Do you think am happy to see you in shambles? You would be probably dead when you realize you have made a mistake in a time you could have reversed it, made a change. "
“ No, it will be fine. I assure you"
“ Enough ok, don't try to embellish my night with your grievous hopes and beliefs. Don't know why I have wasted so much of time telling you what am not supposed to. " He was completely dressed now and headed for the door but stopped and turned back again. He had forgotten something of importance as he searched about till he found it in the bathroom, it was his mobile phone he had been looking for. He took it and left, bided a bye to Tafa who angrily closed his Bible and slept off, after switching off the lights.
To be continued tomorrow. Read full book for free below


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PROLOGUE

The political and socioeconomic tension has maximized intensely as the bonafide citizens awaits the hearing of the collated results from the remaining states of the federation in the ongoing 2017 General elections. The degree of perplexity and discombobulation clouding the general elections beyond any iota of doubt made it the most followed and anticipated elections in the history of the country amidst the violence and radicalism. The citizens wanted a change of an epileptic government whose second term bid was in jeopardy. Prior to the elections, the chairman of the Election Council of Nigeria, Professor Logue Jonah has called on each and every citizen to let their votes speak for their dissatisfaction, emotions and furiousity, Presidential candidates for all parties has urged everyone to debunk every form of violence. The statement was sure to have won their hearts as everybody trudged to get their voters cards at designated accredited centers. Voting was the only credible way to oust the Government that was branded "a failing democratic monopoly" of the same party ruling for twenty-four years, renowned for carrying out white elephant projects, releasing booming press statement about the economy whilst the opposite was the order of the day, alleged indulgence in massive manipulation and embezzlement of money which no one had the forbearance in tolerating any longer. Months later, the words of the ECN chairman continued to reverberate in their cerebrum.
Journalists, cameramen, members of staff of ECN flooded the noisy conference room at about 1811 hours once again when notified about the arrival of the collated results. The professor smiled and leaned towards the microphone. "we are pleased to announce the final results from the remaining six states from the polling units". Sanity and homogeneity was immediately restored and silence encroached. So far, thirty states had been called. Clearly, Mr. Ajuwa Williams of the Freedom Party of Nigeria was the obvious choice to the incumbent Mallam Ali Nurudeen of the Independent Peoples Party Of Nigeria. His staggering profile of nabbing corrupt officials were held highly of, just in a short while he was appointed the chairman of Financial Crimes Commission in the present administration. Not all were properly convicted after they were proven guilty of numerous count charge on corruption , majorly due to the fact they were powerful politicians connected, those who were convicted were those who fell out of President's league, whom he considered “worthless " and not of his ethnicity. In the midst of bad governance, with the people cherishing his output so far, he decided to use the medium to run for presidency, in order to eradicate corruption and convict them according to the law, a detriment to the incumbent who sought a plan to use the appointment of Ajuwa Williams, whom he knew was upright, just and his good works as a political strategy to win back the trust of the people and win him votes from the southern region, which likely obviously was failing. Many considered Ajuwa Williams as the only good man in government and the messiah. Eager to hear the final results was the fact that their anticipated leader was six hundred thousand votes behind their worst nightmare, a news itching their ears, a fact they couldn't yield to yet. And with six states left, they held their beliefs, had a common faith, each of Mr. Ajuwa Williams's ardent followers folding their hands in prayers with the notion that bad will never prevail over good.
"These are the results collated from Uwai state. "announced the chief returning officer for the state.
" Number of accredited voters - one million, three hundred and sixty four thousand, number of valid votes - eight hundred and seventy-one thousand, seven hundred and thirty-six, number of invalid votes cast - four hundred and ninety-two thousand, two hundred and sixty-four . People's Legislative Party (PLP) 185 votes, People's Coalition Congress (PCC) 300 votes, Presidential People's Party (PPP) 484, National Delegation Party (NDP) 311, Freedom Party of Nigeria (FPN) 678,533, Independent People's Party of Nigeria (IPPN) 191,923. The returning officer after announcing took his leave. It was evident that the followers of Mr. Ajuwa Williams's prayers were gradually being answered, and the table of luck gradually turning to their favour. Announcement of Four other states followed up with FPN, still maintaining their lead. A stout man with enormous glasses larger than his face took the stage, the results of the final state in his hand. Across the country, every viewer wore a look of anxiety. The gap separating the top candidates were Slightly insignificant till the final announcement.
"Final results collated from Baigari state. Number of accredited voters – one million, one hundred and twenty-one thousand, one hundred and twenty-eight . Number of valid votes cast - nine hundred and twelve thousand, one hundred and fourteen , number of invalid votes cast, two hundred and eight thousand and fourteen. PLP - 181, PCC - 419, PPP - 89, NDP - 111, FPN - 701,914, IPPN - 210,100 ". Professor Logue Jonah announced the final total results concluded in the Election as thus;
" PLP – 224,074 , PCC – 616,943 , PPP – 312,204 , NDP – 424,070 , FPN – 28,101,747 , IPPN - 12,554,365 .
By this result, FPN is the winner, having polled a total of valid votes in the elections. I professor Logue Jonah, the chairman and overall presiding officer of the elections hereby declare, Mr Ajuwa Williams , the candidate of FPN, having scored the highest number of votes cast across the thirty six states hereby declare him elected president of the federal Republic of Nigeria". Before his final words, there was already a loud cry of joy aroused from the boisterous supporters across the country. Nobody saw it coming, it was a miracle to vote an incumbent out of office in a dispensation where leaders are so desperate to clinch to power. The rally of celebration continued weeks after the victory. Mr Ajuwa Williams had called for a harmonious country, to foster development in his victory speech. The election had been won, the people's choice had been elected and it would be a new dawn. The table finally turned.

To be continued tomorrow, Sunday.
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This is a must read novel that will captivate your mind and catapult you into a different realm about how life sometimes can be unfair especially if you demand so much more from it. Sit back and enjoy this crime political fiction. I will be posting ten chapters for free here.

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.



THE ANGEL AND THE FUGITIVE


First edition. June 7, 2018.
Copyright © 2018 Reginald Obetta.



ISBN: 978-1386636045



Written by Reginald Obetta.