MY KILLER

CHAPTER 4

"Stories have been told of the Atbae Allah and of their numerous bombings and killings. Many of these murders have been carried out in churches and other places of worship. A while ago, a mosque was reported to have been blown up by this terrorist group, because according to them, they were not preaching the true faith of Islam. One of our respondent has now gone over to inquire on the state of mind of the people in that surrounding area. Saraphina Nsolo has more to say."

"Thank you very much Silva. We are here at the popular Wuse market to find out the people's opinion on the recent bombings. Please what are your views on the recent terrorist attacks in Nigeria today?"

"The Igbo's are the ones who suffer more from all this oppression."

"Those Muslims are not following the mandate of Allah."

"I do not believe that the real Muslims are responsible for this. The prophet Mohammed preached peace, Islam is a peaceful religion."

"We all worship one God and last time I checked, section 38 of the 1999 constitution provides for freedom of Religion."

"They killed my family. They should all died and rot in hell."

"Abeg commot that camera. No dey interview me. That matter no concern me."

"The government fit provided more jobs for the peoples. Na this recession dey cause all this kwanta."

"Abeg I dey show for t.v, I wan tell my neighbor make him return the five hundred Naira wey him suppose give me."

"The Igbo peoples should commot our land or them go dey kill them like chicken. Them never see anything."

"Nne, please change that station and put cartoon for the kids biko."

"But mommy, daddy said that we should be watching more of News."

"Is it now Atbae Allah you want to be watching. Biko change that thing osiso. Infact, go and read your books. Don't come and be carrying last position in my house o."

I rolled my eyes and left the Sitting room. I was fond of doing that. I should have just changed it to Cartoon Network or Disney. My stupid mouth. I knew it was going to get me in trouble one day. My mother always made sure to remind me of that. But for some reason, that day, I was strangely interested in that News, especially due to the fact that it was said that the terrorists were moving north. And Kano was their probable next stop.

"Saraphina Nsolo reporting, CWW News."

I felt the water splash on me and I jerked my eyes open. Where was I again?
The noise was unbearable and the sudden light coming through the door was blinding.
"Oya, Oya wake up Oya."

"Just drag them commot. You know hear say Oga don dey come."

They all hung their guns across their shoulders and one by one, they dragged girls and boys out. Those who screamed or struggled were hit with guns. Some of them passed out while others were weakened by the impact. I was sore and weak and couldn't move. The previous night was the worst night ever, even worse than the pain I felt on my first night of seeing my period. My whole body ached, inside and out. I could feel the impact of the scared man's hit in my intestines. They felt like they were tangled and jumbled up together. I saw my blood drip from all over my body to the cold sandy floor. What's worse, I had to sleep on that sand, on my sweat, tears and blood.
Then I woke with a massive headache for lack of sleep and the sudden exposure to light made matters worse. It was the worst night of my life. However, I would have even more worse nights...

I was finally lifted and dragged outside and the pain on my body doubled. These people really knew how to manhandle a person.

I walked past the Man with the scar and he smiled lustfully towards me before he spat on the ground a few inches away from me.