The Gorilla Chase

Some time ago in 1993 a furious gorilla was bought from the Kenyan zoological centre by Black Eagle, the owner of a two story building along the Wetheral road for security reasons. Black Eagle must have lived in Kenya for several years before settling down in his home country. He was the only man who understands the gorilla and no other person. He lived with his servants who only new how to throw food to the gorillas cage.

The 3 feet tall gorilla is only released from the cage at night against invaders. Several cases were reported about criminals being wounded or even killed by this wild gorilla but the fun rolled out the time the owner went for a two week visit to Enugu State and the servants care less for the gorilla. They had neglected the instruction of the master to feed the gorilla on a six square meal per day as he usually does when he was at home.

Few days past and no food were served. The enraged gorilla had gone out of the cage by 6am in the morning in search of food. Our streets had turn to a tourist centre as the gorilla entertained resident viewers and passers by. The gorilla went as far as New Market Road harassing women selling food stuffs and ate from their market products; banana, apples, pawpaw and the like. Though frightened by people, the gorilla was also scared of them. It was full of fun and adventure as the gorilla drew the attention of the state governor and the media alongside with the neighboring towns in the state. People were so amazing to have seen a life movie of a gorilla in action.

The second part of the movie continued as the gorilla was arrested by the security agents in the Owerri town but escaped through the back door of their Black Maria van and none of them dear to approach the gorilla for fear of being bitten by the wild animal. This time some people were being hospitalized for the wound inflicted by the animal.

It was time for tenants in Amadi Street as the gorilla ran towards the street to find refuge. Like humans do, the gorilla was aware of some men wanting to arrest him and had hidden on our staircase. The climax of it all was the time people around the city came to watch the gorilla play. This time the gorilla had turned back to chase people young and old. Some stayed back at home for fear of being wounded while some other enjoyed the adventure. No gun short this time rather young men came out on mass with sticks and planks singing war songs may be so that the animal would succumb. This time, the servants of the owner had all joined suggesting several ways to help trap the gorilla.

My dad guessed the gun short would help get the gorilla arrested and people run away back to their destination. It wasn't a gun short anyway but a gun sound from the knockout fireworks. He threw it on the staircase and immediately the gorilla fled from our apartment, chasing people who had come for arresting. More were seriously injured. Soon the owner returned from his visit. Before then, he has been informed so he was charged for threat against humanity and treason. The gorilla was later sold to the Indians who had come for oil exploration in Ikwere.