ONE MILLION BOYS

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CHAPTER THREE

The high voice of Daniel's mother attracted the attention of people around. When they went to the room to check what was really happening; they found her naked and holding Daniel very tight and breathing like a tired pregnant, "He wanted to rape me," said Daniel's mother. Daniel was short of words and was really confused at that time. Everyone present at that scene was all flabbergasted. When his sick father heard about it he told me immediately: "leave my house and I don't ever want to set my eyes on you again" Daniel wanted to give an explanation but was not given the chance. He packed some of his load and left his father's house in shame. He had no choice now than to join the street in everyday hustling.

"guys, this hustling is not paying well at all!" said one of the boys; everything seems dry these days". They called themselves together and begin to find a better means of survival before they will die of hunger. " I think I have a better idea said Fejiro". He whispered something into one of them. "What! That is the highest order of sacrilege! said Kasali". After the boys had rob minds together they all shouted: "One Million Boys"! The following day, they went in search of different harmful objects like pliers, screwdriver, dagger and knives.

Around 10 pm, the boys set off to the street while their face was covered. They entered the first compound. The tenants were about twenty-four and most of them are struggling to survive. "Where is the money," said Kasali. The occupant of the room they entered was so much afraid to the extent that they started bringing out the little money they had gathered. They robbed the whole compound to the extent that they left them with nothing. They were with a very big bag popularly known as "Ghana Must Go" which they use to carry all that they have stolen from the poor people.

They returned to their destination in joy and gladness without being hurt and hurting anyone. "yeah we have arrived" They decided to count the money they have made for the day and it was one hundred and fifty thousand naira. They also had about forty different phones with some jewellery. The six boys were very delighted and they felt very encouraged in the act they just did.

The victims they robbed gathered outside their compound when they knew the robbers had gone. They all cried sorrowfully. Mr Akpan, one of the victims collected fifty thousand naira loan from a Micro Finance Bank to start a small scale business. He was thinking to commit suicide because to him, that was the only solution he thought he had for now.

The neighbours threw themselves on the floor crying, complaining and casting aspersion on the robbers. Other neighbours in the community came out and consoled them. They really pity them and pray that such will never befall them. They also advised them to inform the police for further investigation.

The following morning, they went to the Police Station to lodge their complaint and the custodian asked them series of the question; they answered the ones they could but they could not describe the robbers because they all covered their face. The police officer assured them of their safety and promised to arrest the robbers soon.

The boys set up for their second operation a week after the first one. This time, it was in the sixth street away from where they had their first operation. they had the intention of robbing the whole street since. They needed more money and the houses in the street were not many.

The got to the street as exactly as 2 am. Everyone had gone inside and the whole street looked very dark and silent like a graveyard. They spread themselves and went from one compound to another gathering all that they had stolen in their usual "Ghana Must Go Bag". They were about to get to the last compound when they heard the shout of people: Ole! thief! Barawo!

Some of the boys ran away with the goods they stole except Uche who was in one of the compounds stealing. The mob gathered him and he tried to fight with them but they were too many for him to handle.

They beat him up seriously. hitting him with dangerous objects and weapon. He became so weak and inside him, one can see he knows he has met with his Waterloo. One of them brought out tyres and fuel. They started searching for matches before one of the women helped them with a stick. They tied him with rope and attached him with tyre and poured fuel on the tyre and rope. When they realised that it was well sucked; they lit the match which they got from one of the women.

They stood there watching him burning and still struggling to come out of the fire. He shouted in pain but no one could come to his rescue and later he gave up the ghost. The mob waited for him to be burnt without recognition and left him with the fire to the there respective house. They were so happy for their action and vowed to deal with the other members in due time.

When the remaining gang got to their base; they discovered that Uche was missing. They thought he hid somewhere and hoped they will see him the following morning but to their greatest surprise; he did not show up.

Kasali went to buy cooked food from their usual joint when he heard the conversation of some women describing how robbers came to their house to steal and how one of them was caught and burnt alive. He was so shocked but had to control his emotion and temperament. He changed his direction to where they robbed the previous day to confirm what he heard from those women.

When he got there; he saw the corpse of his friend lying on the floor helplessly and thoroughly burnt. Everyone watching the burnt corpse was abusing and pouring curse on the remains while Kasali was just reminiscing the good time they had together and the promise he made while they were in secondary school. Uche had wanted to be a Medical Doctor. He loved to treat people and solve the societal problem but unfortunately, things changed and he found himself in this condition. He vowed to avenge the death of his friend and he left the scene sorrowfully to their base.

Having told his gang what had happened to Uche, they were bewildered by the death of their friend. After a while, they observed some minute silent for their late friend and partner. They concluded that their plans will change from the previous one. "This people will smell hell!" said Kasali.

They went late in the night to secretly carry the remains of their late friend. They were so careful because they knew the implication when caught but they were lucky enough to carry the remains to the bush and buried him. They all sorrowfully said their last wish and prayed for him to rest in peace.