NARRATOR'S POV... The clarion calls of fate sound like symbols of the infallible tunes of infinite power and boundless knowledge, verity justified by that which is visible to the eyes of destiny only. Some say it is also that which lies in the innermost parts of the mind, rising from a soft subliminal monologue to an authoritative utterance which may be a warning or a means to an irrevocable end. Dreadfully today we hear the declamation of this call, being carried by wind throughout the air and even inside us. The complex and paradoxical demeanor of the mystery, Abubakar Shekau is seen wearing a white caftan with a bullet proof jacket strapped across. His feet were inserted into a leather sandal that looked brandished and constantly abused by the unfavourable weathers of the North. Possessing the title of the most wanted man in the country, the fearless loner Shekau, is said to be in his mid 40's. A part theologian and part gangster and although his predecessor Mohamme
A few hours ago...Lade... If you looked around through your normal eye, everything appeared to be quiet and still. The rising wind as well as the raised dust from the ground and the serene atmosphere, it was all normal but then only a razor sharp vision could see beyond the fictitious sights. I whipped my hands up in quick signs, directing them straight at Bashir and he too replied in the same patterns as an encoded conversation ensued. Standing a few feet away at approximately 145° degrees from standpoint was one of the soldiers of the Jama'atu placed as a watch guard towards the East. It wasn't only the soldier in our peripheral vision we had detected, all around the vicinity, hidden in the midst of the trees were blood sucking soldiers with large rifles waiting in ambush. The bunkers too were hidden at the base of tall trees in particular, and the rest of the camp was a little farther inside to determine. We had found them and finally the war had begun and so, our onl
Lade... On instinct, I tugged my eyes open, welcoming the view of the darkening clouds and the pitiable sight of the lady with her kid. I still felt choked up as I had been cornered into a difficult situation that I now had no idea how to come out from.I glanced once more to the far end of the line, searching for Bashir but then it seemed that silently, he had crept away in the shadows to begin his own part of the plan.It offered a small feel of relief that at least Bashir had begun combing the area for any signs of the hostages and honestly, I prayed that they were even still inside the camp because if not, then all our sacrifices would definitely be in vain."Let me tell you a secret boy," Shekau's voice seeped in through the gaps in the wall of my thoughts I had been engrossed in, hauling my sight back to where he now sat on the stone bench. "A young man once quoted, 'I love it when people dig their own graves as it saves me so much time'," he began in a reverential tone, suckin
A starter pistol with a subsequent bang almost like I was at the front line of a race field as my whole body reacted to the dangerous and exciting scenery around. The feeling of "fight or flight" and a signalled flash with a simulating smoke that had originated from the shot began the timing clock. I took to my heels as well, racing against nothing exactly but everything at all with no certainty of the finish line. The ground I walked upon was grass-covered and solid, looking visibly suffered by the dry and arid air that enveloped us, leaving a chilly effect on the surface of our skins too. The atmosphere was strikingly cool, a contrast to the initial billow of torrid temperatures of air. It was time for a season change—the Sahara wind had started its course—humidity had gone extinct and the dusty climate, rapidly beginning to take over. It was not necessarily a sixth sense but I could tell and feel the weight of hard stares searing through my back. I had been convinced initia
Everything was in an uproar, producing loud noises and resulting in flash movements, similar to a state of absolute madness and havoc. The intense powerful vibrations and echoes from the earth, depicting the unmistakable elements of commotion. How does one particularly define chaos? Maybe as a mega potent trigger of an overactive mind, undergoing battles with an inner active self but what happens when that war is inside out? It's almost like chasing a dream that is not yours to actualize and definitely, seeking an inner peace becomes futile as the internal and external responses you require are automatically the chaotic circumstances that determine your thoughts and feelings. I felt cramped up amidst all the turmoil, appearing to be like I couldn't breathe as the rushed actions made the world around seem as though it was rotating inwardly but like a silent spark or trigger, my feet set in motion instantly. "We are under attack, seize the area!" A deep voice bellowed out the
"The world should be rid of vermins like you." The words sprouted from her lips in resentment and radge. She still thought that because I dressed like those monsters, I was no doubt amongst the men who had so obviously humiliated and abused her. "Stop acting so difficult and listen, there's not much time!" I shared my testy patience just as she crossed her arms in front of her, looking more perverse than ever.On my way to stand, her foot connected with my chest, pushing me firmly back to the ground. "There should be enough time for me to finish you off," she began, using more force to press her foot to my body. I was getting frustrated already and the worst part was that, there was nothing that was going to change her made up mind."D3 Agent, Lade Adenuga of the ICS," I revealed and for a second I had thought her strong countenance would falter but instead, she appeared to even be more determined. "If that's supposed to counter my thoughts then I'm afraid you've been mistaken. I se
"Ah, I see. No wonder you're so big headed and bossy," I commented and just as expected, a slight whack connected with the back of my skull."Misogynist," she scoffed, etching on her face a deep scowl. It was absurd that in spite of the formal and serious moment, a faint verbal slapstick still laced it's way through. "We should focus," I voiced after I had observed that she too was on the verge of displaying a sign of amusement. Her eyes met mine, there weren't seeming as bloodshot as it was upon first meeting. They looked clearer with an indeterminate shine to them. "Borno military collapsed a long time ago, how long have you been here?" "It's been two years since they raided and seized this province. I was the only one who survived the attack. Men, women and children perished, Agent. They were my family," she unravelled, the force of sorrow that overtook her tone was enough to be the breaker upon any humane soul. I swept my gaze over her once more and my jaw clenched on insti
The day had aged earlier than normal, since the continuous burst of thick black smoke had dirtied the sunset clouds before the night could. Currently, I was on the run again, having an indeterminate number of killers on my trail. Jane took the lead, but even so, I was at her side doing away with close packed tall grasses and shrubs using the blade she had produced initially. After one or two seconds, they commenced the projection of long ranged shots which we narrowly and closely dodged every time it arrived at unfathomable speed. I couldn't determine the direction we ran towards but I had known that the more we progressed, the farther we deviated from the path Bashir was supposed to be awaiting my return. Once again, I had broken a promise and I could feel the minutes slip away from my fingers as the image of the hour glass in my head had at long last finished its course—Bashir would have to leave without me. We had entered a clear pathway, free of bushes, and even though I was