Shadow War Read online

  Shadow War

  By

  Chuks Gerry

  Copyright © 2018 by Chuks Gerry.

  For more information about the author, write to the author from [email protected].

  All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part, in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the author or the publisher.

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  CHAPTER ONE

  CHAPTER TWO

  CHAPTER THREE

  CHAPTER FOUR

  CHAPTER FIVE

  CHAPTER SIX

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  CHAPTER TEN

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  CHAPTER ONE

  Aliyu Danbaba stood transfixed, hands akimbo in awe of all he’d just heard; the presumption of his father whom he’d seen earlier in the day might be dead. News of his rumored death had spread fast and wide across the city of Garuba, being hushed around by its indigenes as they went about their daily activities. His family was in chaos as everyone was talking, some wept silently, others wailed. His father was a prominent businessman, with major stake in the state thriving agricultural sector, where he’s a king decision maker both within and diaspora. As news of his attack seep through the community, the actual story varied. While some attest he was hacked down by robbers, others maintained he was killed by a raging group of Fulani herdsmen on his farm when having daily routine meeting with his staff. However the actual fact so silently murmured was that he’d been kidnapped by the reknowned, extremely dreaded Al-sahad sect. Radio stations and other media outlets declined mentioning anyone or persons responsible. Even the police were apparently clueless as they carried on with their investigation judiciously.

  After answering flurries of question, Aliyu went and sat down adjoining his siblings; his mother was in the midst of her mates and other family members. She has since stopped crying but her eyes were still sullen from its effect. Occasionally she uses the end of her wrapper to blow her nose, while nodding to words of comfort from friends and well-wishers as they trooped in their numbers. He was soon lost in thoughts, staring blankly into space, oblivious of his surrounding and his friends’ arrival, only becoming alert after a hand squeezed gently on his shoulder from behind accompanied by a voice,

  Cheer up brother, all will be well,’ Valentine fondly refer to as Val by his friends said reassuringly, taking a seat beside him along with the others. He smiled faintly upon seeing his pals; their presence gave him the much needed courage to face his fears while fighting back the emotions that piled up on his inside.

  I wish this was a bad dream that will soon be over, ‘he said rubbing both palms together, and then raising it to his face breathing heavily. I don’t know how I’m going to cope with this realisation,’he stifled swallowing hard,’ all of it alongside my studies. His eyes were reddish now and he blinked severally in an effort to fight back tears.

  You will be fine, Allah will grant you the strength to carry on,’Ahmed whispered in his ears. My only advice to you is to be strong for yourself and for the family being that you’re the first son.

  Yes I concur with Ahmed, also note that whoever is responsible for this terrible act is still lurking somewhere out there watching. Be careful of your utterance especially to the police. Those guys are never to be trusted,’Sanni cautioned. The discussion soon drifted to heinous crimes perpetuated by criminals in the past and how the police had failed woefully to apprehend those responsible for the atrocities and bring them to book.

  Be it as it may your father case will be different, he is someone greatly admired for his benevolence. We’ve to keep on being positive and have faith, ‘Val assured, looking at his wristwatch and getting up. It’s almost six thirty, we’ve to get going to beat the seven pm curfew,’he continued.

  The others followed suit. On their way out they paused to offer little words of consolation to other members of the family.

  Leaving the intense atmosphere inside was quite a relieve even as the cool evening breeze helped lightened the mood and their discussion swerve from less depressing topics to soul lifting subjects like soccer which got everyone talking loudly. Aliyu who hadn’t intended to escort them that far was so carried away as he vehemently argued with Val on Barcelonan players prowess on the field when compared to their rivals, but Val wasn’t taking of it, quickly disparaging their success on the effort of one player, an assertion which left Aliyu absolutely flustered. In the midst of intense argument, Aliyu paused to answer a call.

  What? He exclaimed aghast, his face turned pale listening to the voice from the otherside, ‘okay I’ll be on my way he said solemnly.

  After he’d hunged up, he immediately burst into tears falling on his knees as his feet caved in. His friends rallied around him; Val located a good spot under the foot of a gigantic neem tree where they can all sit down to talk, away from prying eyes. Ahmed sat beside him consoling him while the others stood and stared on, confused and deeply saddened by the state of their friend.When he’d sobered up, he told them what had transpired on the telephone conversation to their amazement.They listened shocked and horrified by what they heard, remaining speechless for several minutes after he’d concluded.

  This is bullshit man, the entire state is in disarray, people are being killed sporadically every other day and no one, the police....even the government is doing nor saying anything about it. Enough is enough,’Sanni blurted suddenly, getting up and spacing furiously.

  And what do you suggest they do about it given our current fickle economic situation? Quizzed Ahmed puzzled.

  My suggestion is simple, let us stand up and fight—fight the real enemy. The government, whom has relegated us to the background, left us to be feed upon by vultures, languishing in abject poverty while they frolicked about with their ill gotten wealth. Our government have failed us for a long time coming, I think its high time we come together and fight for what is duly ours and—-,,

  Will you please shut up,’ Val blatantly cut in with a hoarse tone, taut and ready for action. Have you ever seen anything good achieved through violence when there are otherways round it? I see you have apparently going haywire from smoking too much of that local bullshit you loved taking.

  Mind your tone with me, ‘he warned wagging a finger at Val.

  Get your shallow minded illiterate ass somewhere away from my presence; you’re so full of gibberish.

  Guys that is enough, now is not the time for your diatribe please. Our friend is in a sad mood; let’s not make it worse,’Ahmed advice

  Its okay guys, I think I will be heading back home,’ Aliyu said getting up to his feet. We’ll be needed at the morgue tomorrow to identify the bodies recovered; I need a lot of rest to be able to withstand such an ordeal. Will you still be heading to school tommorow? He directed at Val

  Hopefully I will, next week comes with its series of quiz and practicals, but not to worry I’ve got you covered,’ Val reassured him.

  Thanks bro, I trully appreciate.

  It’s no biggie, take your time and put yourself together. I’ll check up on you tomorrow before leaving.

  Thanks once again guys, cheers. They all shook hands as they bade farewell.

  On getting home, Val’s mother Mrs
Nwakwo was engaged on a lengthy discussion on her mobile phone with her elder brother in their native Igbo dialect. From the little information he eavesdropped on, his uncle seems to be worried for the safety of his sister and her family whom are based in the northeastern part of the country, a region which is thought to be the home base of Al-sahad, a deadly radical islamic sect that have risen in might as a result of political uncertainty, economical and religious variation, as well as marginalisation in the country. Their assault has over the past several months grew rapidly and become more diverse making front page news across the nation and beyond. His mother got up and went into her bedroom immediately he switched on the television not wanting to be distracted as she carried on with her conversation. He flipped through several channels before settling for a music station. The delicious aroma emanating from the kitchen kept on intensifying making his stomach rumble and throat watery with each passing minute. Without much ado he sauntered inside the kitchen where Nneka his immediate younger sister two years his junior was busy with the dishes in the sink, plaintain was frying on the cooker and on one of the unlighted burner was a freshly prepared pot of bitterleaf soup still steaming hot.

  Hmmm! what’s that delicious aroma I’m perceiving -—what are we having for dinner? He asked peering into the dishes on the cooker.

  Oh you’re back,’she looked across her shoulder acknowledging his presence,’ jollof rice and plantain.

  Are you kidding me? Not when i’m looking at my favourite soup, ofe onugbu staring right back at me,’ he emphasized. Nah I’m having fufu for dinner,’he smiled rubbing his stomach with a sheepish grin on his cheek.

  That will be up to you and mum, which offcourse you know she wouldn’t captulate, knowing fully well her stance on eating right,’she replied removing the plaintain that’d turned golden brown from the hot oil. So what’s the latest on Aliyu’s father case, by the way how is he faring? She inquired in a deeply worried tone.

  He is coming along just fine,’he replied with a sigh resigning his fate to eating jollof rice for dinner as he wasn’t in the mood to confront his mother with his request.Hopefully by tomorrow he’ll be much better,’ he continued, making an effort to sound positive.

  What about the bodies the police recently recovered, do you think his father might be among them?

  How on earth am I supposed to know, besides how you did even know about this recent development? He asked comfounded.

  Zainab’s mother

  Oh i’ve should known, that woman is a body of network itself,’he noted letting out a short sarcastic cackle.

  And with the news making the round that he was taken away by gunmen thought to be members of Al-sahad. His sister confided in me that one of her father’s employee watch it all happened from where he hid.

  He was obviously kidnapped but by who or whom no one knows. I won’t advice you believe the assertion being tossed around. Let the security personnel do their job while we remain hopeful. Where is Amara?

  In the bedroom.

  Okay, when will dinner be ready because I’m famished?

  I’m almost done here, this is the last batch.

  Alright let me quickly freshen up so that I can join you guys early,’he said, stepping out of the kitchen into the passage leading to the bedrooms.He paused to check on his baby sister. Amara was sitted on her reading chair obviously working on her homework.He tiptoed siliently into the room, until he stood just inches away her sitted frame, where he notice she was lost in thought biting at the end of her pen, staring blankly at the window facing her totaly oblivious of his presence. He observed her posture for a while, shaking his head with a comic gesture, concluding to do what he knows best no matter how much she dislikes it. Positioning both his middle fingers on her sides, he poked her from behind and her reaction was hilariously spontaneous. Her abrupt response resulted in her chair flailing behind and the contents on the table in front spluttering over. Val fell on the bed roaring in laughter as she pounced on him with claws aiming for his throat.

  Please please i‘m sorry you win, let go of me,’ he pleaded

  No I won’t, until you’ve given me your word not to ever pull such stunt on me ever again,’ her hands still firmly clutched to his throat.

  Okay ,I give you my word ,’he voiced strenuously feigning loss of breath.She released her grip letting go only to discover it was a ruse noticing Val’s mocking gesture and laughter. She shrugged and went to her table to arrange the distorted items ignoring him

  Alright I promise not to repeat such ever again,’ he said between giggles,’but only if you tell me what you were thinking about.You were gone, lost in space.I only hoped you didn’t fail that math’s test we worked on all night.

  No brother on the contrary I got a B.

  Hurray that’s my girl, come give me a hug.Its nice to see our hardwork actually pay off.There’s nothing to fear in mathematics when you know the right formular to apply.He hugged her tight, really excited.

  Now tell me what actually is bugging you? He smiled warmly with eyebrows creased.

  I can’t say brother, but all I know is that I’m scared,’her expression falling flat all of a sudden.

  Scared of what?

  Of everything that’s happening. Everyone in my school is talking about the attacks and the possibility of war. This morning one of our teachers’ uncle Jide was attacked on his way to work. He is now at the hospital receiving treatment for his injuries, his car stolen. That aside my friends Cynthia and her brother were pulled out of our school.Their parents are moving south because they think its no longer safe here.The steady flow of attacks and killings, now Aliyu’s dad kidnapped, military and police vans everywhere,the curfe——-

  It’s okay dear I get you,’ Val cutted in,’but I can assure you war is far from it.Yes it’s true that the current situation right now is not quite ideal that’s why we have the security and other military personnel on ground to help restore peace and order. As for the assaults earlier today, I heard some of the hoodlums responsible have been apprehended, it was on the midday news. So my dear you really have nothing to worry about other than your studies, carpiece?

  Okay, but—-

  No but, try and purge your mind from that negative thoughts.It will depress and make you apprehensive over nothing. Now here is the one thousand naira I promised if you did well in your maths test.

  Oh thank you, thank you, thank you, I’m so grateful,’ she said cheerfully yanking the note.

  You’re welcome,’he sanged,’dinner should be ready by now. Go ahead I’ll join you guys in a jiffy.

  Inside his bedroom, his mind was deluge with thoughts as he took of his clothes and got into the shower.He was deeply concern for his sister and her worries. She has the right to be worried and scared, hell he too was but had to keep up appearance, an act he’d perfected over the years since their father’s earthly departure. She had instantly took him as a replacement, looking up to him for guidance, direction and every other challenging situation to which he manned up, executing his duties to the best of his ability which most times astounds him. He may have sounded convincingly back there but he still can’t disrepute the fact that she was perhaps right. She is only twelve years old but quite the smartass, articulate and opinionated. He recalled how their bond grew after they’d lost their father, she was only six and quite hurt by his absence, throwing herself at him and becoming very protective fearing he too might be taken away from her. She was always by his side, spending the night in his room rather than in the one she shared with Nneka. It wasn’t until three years ago did she moved back when he gained admission into the university. He too had become quite fond of her and always felt pained seeing her sad. She was his closest ally in the family as was Nneka to their mum. Among the numerous attributes his sister possesses is her willingness to take the hook for her siblings. He remembered how he had a female friend over some years back thinking thier mother won’t be back till later in the evening but was petrified when he heard her car eng
ine in the garage. His heart sanked as he thought of his next course of action. Once she’d gotten upstairs, he overheard her making inquires about everyone from Amara in the sitting room. Ever so observant she asked who owned the female slippers in the balcony; he heard amara paused before replying it belongs to Nneka’s friend. Their mum had shrugged and went to her room straightaway not bothering to verify or was it when Nneka burnt the soup after falling asleep on the couch, Amara gladly took responsibility sparing a frantic Nneka some good beatings.

  Everyone were already sitted on the dinning, eating in silence when he joined them.Their mother is quite a retro when it comes to dinning etiquette and doesn’t tolerate heavy flow of conversation. Immediately dinner was over and the dishes done with, Amara bade them goodnight.

  Nneka will you please switch off the television, there’s something important I want us to disscuss about,’her mother instructed. Very wearily Nneka got up and did as she was told before going back to sitdown beside her mother.

  Alright,’she cleared her throat and began. I was on the phone earlier with your uncle and as usual in the course of our discussion it navigated to the conflict issues that are on ground, insisting I move my family back east for safety reasons which to me are unnecessary. I told him Garuba as far as I know is still very safe to live and transact business , most of the stories he listen on the news were overhyped, blown out of proportion and even the location of such happenings are places outskirt of the city. Now the reason I called for this meeting is for both of you to err your views base on the realities. Moving from one city to another is a huge decision which I can’t make on my own,’she paused to readjust her weight on her sit. Val you’re the man of this home, so you go first.

  Mom, I’m with uncle on this one,’he stated plainly. As a matter of fact we’ve witnessed that what started as petty demonstration and riots have ballooned over the past several months, from burning of homes and religious houses to killings and kidnapping of even prominent indigenes. We have to act wisely and fast before it spirall out of control. Their mum listened acquiescing to all that he’d said.