The atmosphere shifted like the first wind before a storm. For the first time in weeks, juniors walked to class without immediate fear of being slapped, kicked, or sent on errands. Not because the seniors had relented—but because they watched, waiting to see what Mr. Ogbemi would do next.
Kalu Egbe felt the tension in every corridor. Seniors no longer shouted openly. Presso had not made a public move since Ogbemi's arrival. But silence did not mean surrender.
During break, Kalu, Nedu, and Fireboy sat under the mango tree near Block B.
"You see say seniors dey quiet?" Fireboy said, eyes narrowed.
"E dey fear me," Nedu replied. "Silent seniors na worse."
Fireboy cracked his knuckles. "Me, I ready. Make them try anything."
Kalu nodded, but inside, he felt uneasy. Something was coming. He could feel it.
That afternoon, Mr. Ogbemi and his men walked through the hostels unannounced. No footsteps. No warning. Their presence alone scattered seniors from corridors.
"Room check," Ogbemi said calmly.
Bunks were turned over, lockers opened. Buckets, belts, and confiscated junior provisions were recovered and logged. A list was compiled—names of seniors with illegal items.
Presso's name topped the list.
Even more shocking, one of Mr. Ogbemi's men found a hidden phone and wads of cash under Presso's mattress. Ogbemi examined it silently and nodded to his staff. "Confiscate everything."
Rumors of the raid spread like wildfire. Juniors smiled cautiously. For once, someone had stood up to Presso.
Evening assembly was tense. Mr. Ogbemi read out the names. "These students will report to my office at dawn. Any refusal is expulsion."
A wave of shock rolled through the seniors. Presso's jaw tightened. Dankaka's fists clenched.
Behind the rows, teachers watched carefully. Some nodded in approval. Others looked worried. This was uncharted territory.
After assembly, in Dorm C, Presso stood before his boys.
"They think say this man go change FGC? I go show am who run this place."
He pointed at juniors. "Una dey feel bold? Una go suffer. Start from tonight."
Big Mouth laughed. "Let's remind them who be king."
Kalu heard the words and knew—the war had begun.
That night, seniors moved in the dark, reclaiming lost ground. Juniors were dragged from bunks, forced to kneel, to fetch water, to give up food. Presso moved between bunks like a ghost, belt in hand, testing everyone's courage.
Kalu was yanked from his bed, but before the senior could speak, heavy boots echoed in the dormitory.
Mr. Ogbemi entered.
Seniors froze. One dropped his belt. Another slipped behind a bunk.
Ogbemi scanned the room. "Anyone not in bed will explain to me... and to the police."
He stepped closer. "I said it once. I don't repeat myself."
Silence.
Seniors backed off, returning to their bunks. Juniors watched, stunned. No one had ever challenged the seniors so directly.
Fireboy whispered, "This one na real war."
Nedu added, "At least we get soldier on our side."
Kalu nodded. "But this fight just start."
To be continued...