The memories of the tragic end of Commander Bagu and his boys remain fresh as wound in the hearts of his kinsmen and associates till date.
There has been several inversion attempts by herdsmen against farmers in the past, but none was dreadful as the recent rumor of it flying in the air.
The atmosphere was tense. People were visibly terrified, no one knows when and where the direction of the attack could be.
In the past, local security outfit popularly known as ‘Shoja Patali’ in Ihyarev land were usually on ground and able to contain such situation; protecting their communities against the wanton invaders.
This time around, they were apparently helpless. It was widely rumoured that the government of the day was in support of it.
The whole thing seems not to be empty handed. They simply advised the people to vacate to safety, as they were working out strategies to face the impending attack.
Bagu, an ex-convinct, a former ‘Schoolboy’ notorious for road operations, was commanding his community unit. He was referred to as ‘Commander Bagu’ by all.
When all the community forces merged in necessary occasions, he naturally assumed overall leader, courtesy of his bravery at war front and past operational records.
Villagers were hurriedly evacuating to safety as instructed and opportunistic Bagu got an instant employment: he offered himself to escort refugees to safety for a fee.
In a day, he could escort over four to five of such, collecting the bargain for himself and his squad.
This time around, they were escorting this particular vehicle, reaching Imon town, they saw another J5 going to the same village.
They were called upon for the same purpose, though night was drawing near, Bagu could not resist it, throwing caution to the wind.
By the time the vehicle was done loading, it was already dark and their client suggested they tarry for the night and leave at dawn.
Commander Bagu objected and said:
‘Uwe!! Mo Commander Bagu Mngu heen nahan kanyi I lu I erene?
That nothing will happen as long as he, commander Bagu is present.
They took off from the village having the J5 ladden with goods and humans to a full.
Women and children were locked behind with load in the container.
Due to want of space, other people were seated on top of the roof with three ‘Patali’ boys.
Commander Bagu was squeezed in the front seat with his client and one other person including the driver.
About half a distance into the journey, a suspicious flicker of light was sighted in the distance.
Others were perturbed with moving further and suggested for a halt.
Commander Bagu frown at them accusing them of being women at heart; reassuring them that with him, Bagu, being present, they had nothing to fear.
He was like, “Or u kwase a mar nan, nan kuma u ere Commander Bagu kwagh ga”.
That no man born of a woman can stand him, Commander Bagu.
As they kept on their way, in a short distance they notice logs of woods stretching across the road; instantly they sensed danger.
As the vehicle came to a halt in front of it, before they could say jack Robinson, shots were fired at the front of the vehicle.
Commander Bagu was already battling with streams of blood gushing out from his chest before extra shots were pumped into him causing him to surrender to death.
Instantly the driver bang the door open, escaping into the bush with the other two in front. More shots were fired in their direction without success.
In the heat of it, the three ‘patali’ boys on top of the vehicle, opened fire, and in a jiffy, they were noticed and plucked down as well.
Their fellow occupants, equally escaped miraculously into the surrounding bush taking advantage of the cover of the night.
The attackers, fired shots into the containing vessel before breaking it open.
There and then a little boy jumped down from the container and sneaked into the nearby bush, escaping several shots fired in his direction as well.
Surveying the content keenly, the men discovered the women they maimed therein, stacked together with goods screaming with pains and were remorseful about it.
They apologized to them telling them they thought men are in there. That they never meant to harm women: their target was men.
Commander Bagu and his boys were all eliminated and their rifles confiscated. After which the hoodlums left into the bush leaving the women in their pool of blood.
The following morning, the news of the attack spread far and wide. Security personnel came to the scene and took away the women to hospital for treatment.
Commander Bagu and his boys were given solemn burial amidst great tears in the tradition of men of ‘Shoja Patali’.
Afterward, serious battle ensued and victory was won at last. The invaders were successfully repelled and the inhabitants returned back to their farms and villages.
The story of this hero is often told by his people with tears and resentment.
Written by: Mr. Tsekaa Friday Shuur
