A Soldier's Show of Shame

So, I was on my way to work today, minding my own business when this Soldier from nowhere who simply had the name tag Mohammed showed that despite the democratic dispensation, you can't cage the military for long....I digress...

Anyway, the commercial bus I was in had taken that Idiaraba route and had gotten to the College turn by Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). All of a sudden, a dark blue (or is it black?) Golf car with registration number BR385JJJ Lagos, wanted to take take the turn just as our bus was driving down.

To be fair, although the commercial bus driver was in his right of way, he made to stop immediately he saw that the driver of the golf car was a military man. His effort was futile; he saw the uniform too late. He had the option of either reversing or moving ahead. He chose the later. And that was his undoing. 

Meanwhile, as I wont to do whenever I'm in a car, I was busy reading John Grisham's novel; Bleachers, but my instinct said the military man whom I later found out was Mohammed would not let the matter go. How right I was!!

The commercial driver unwittingly drove on, whistling under his breathe. When the bus got to the turn that would lead us down to Ojuelegba, the Golf car suddenly over took the bus and blocked the road. Mohammed got down with a car's firm belt folded into two and lashed at the driver severally, cursing him. 

My bleachers forgotten, my skin cringed with each stroke of the belt on the driver's skin. It wasn't my body but I felt each stroke. The sun was hot, hot, hot and the driver as everyone was, was sweating profusely. Imagine the stroke of the firm belt folded into two lashing out on the driver's skin intermittently under the scorching sun. Not a pleasant experience I must say.

The driver's attempt to defend himself further fueled the wrath of the military man. He thundered, "how dare you? I will teach you a lesson you will not forget in a hurry. Did you not see my uniform?"

Wisely or do I say foolishly, the driver stayed in his seat despite attempts by his tormentor to drag him out. It was wise because the door prevented the lashes from hitting him directly, but foolish as it incensed the soldier.

All the passengers in the bus were furious but what could we do except talk? While we still appealing to the man, he suddenly stormed back to his car and we all breathed a sigh of relief. 

Ha!!!! If we thought the matter was over, that was soon dispelled by the soldier who stormed back with..... A DAGGER!!!!!! He swore that if the driver does not come out, the dagger would be poked into his heart. That threat worked as our driver jumped down and trust me, I jumped down too as every passenger followed suit.

Having his opponent on the ground was all the encouragement the soldier needed. He pummeled him, kicked him, slapped him and of course flogged him with the belt. While other passengers were cowering to one side, I and one other lady thought we could appeal his softer side but what did we get; a threat to use the dagger on us. Ha! See me see trouble oh. I never even start life sef.

His threat to stab us was the game changer for me. There was something I know that he wasn't aware of; I am journalist and I cover Defence which comprises of the Army, Navy and Air Force, so I know his bosses and their numbers too. I quickly called the Nigerian Army PRO, 81 Division (LAGOS HEADQUARTERS), Colonel Kingsley Umoh. His number rang once and the next time I called, it was switched off. That was when I quickly and sneakily set about to snap pictures which I sent to my friend and colleague Ada Igboanugo in case I was caught and the pictures deleted. 

Meanwhile, a large crowd had gathered and the fracas had caused a long hold up as our soldier had blocked the road with his car. To make matters worse, a civil Defence official, Obviously a protege of #OurOgaAtTheTop syndrome came and instead of appealing to the soldier, simply pleaded with him from a distance to move his car to let cars pass. That was it oh (look of disbelief on my face). He disappeared!!! 

To cut the long story short, one unidentified man met with the soldier who had already called for reinforcement from his barracks to arrest the driver, and spoke to him. He entered his car and vowed to wait for the driver at Ojuelegba with his men (and in case you are not aware, Albati barracks is in Ojuelegba). 

Although I was unhurt physically, I left there burdened and sad. When will we ever get it right? It was just the difference of a uniform. Don't get me wrong, I know several military men and women that have done the force proud but as always, the bad eggs abound too.