I still can't forget the look I saw in the eyes of a childhood classmate when I crossed paths with him months ago. He was dressed as a Soldier, with their usual camouflage attire and he had a mean look on his face.
He is someone I grew up with in the same neighbourhood and we passed through primary school together. Back in the day, he is the type you'd describe as 'timid' because he was afraid of associating with people. Regardless of that, he had an innocent look which subsequently attracted people to him. Of course, he also smiled a lot.
Fast-forward to our last encounter, the guy I met does not look anything like who he used to be.
Yeah, the last time we met before that meeting was as kids. That's 13 years ago, but I know what I'm saying. He has become a completely different guy. He was like a beast, fully consumed by rage. In a nutshell, he looked like someone ready to drag the whole world to the underworld.
I'm sure that I've seen that look before.
It's the same look most of the soldiers had in my Orientation Camp when I enrolled for NYSC (National Youth Service Corps). Check the soldiers on high way, they all have this rage burning in their eyes. It's almost a general phenomenon for all our soldiers to look as if they are consumed with rage especially those that smoke weed.
Usually, people are meant to be nice like an angel, but they change completely after passing through the military. I don't know if that's how it is all over the world, but it doesn't speak good about the profession especially when they are dealing with citizens in a place like mine.
Police brutality is already on the high, but the military is the worst in this category. Somehow, the military and other uniformed paramilitary bodies in this part of the world believe that the best way to do their job is by intimidating people. That's an awkward mentality.
I have been on the receiving end of that awkward power show by these uniform men and I've also witnessed how they toy with other people.
It's insane.
Let's talk about the other side of this
It would be unfair to end this without highlighting 'the few' that are doing their job properly despite being in a lawless place like Nigeria. I've also seen some of them on several occasions and they try to treat road users like humans.
Unfortunately, some road users are also nuts, especially commercial drivers. They flaunt all the traffic rules and end up putting other people's lives at risk due to their recklessness.
This is Nigeria for y'all.
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