Like
most Nigerian adult, the first time I knew about the train as a means of
transportation was in my elementary school days. Like the majority of Nigerian adults
it took a longer time to see a train. I remember how excited I was in my undergraduate
days when I learnt a railway was going to be built in the town where I resided
at that time. My thoughts were, ‘at least, I will get to see a train’. It did
not matter that the route was a ‘goods only’ routes.
ENTER LAGOS
I
did not grow up in Lagos. The first time I visited Lagos is what I would not
want to talk about right now. However the first time I saw a train was
remarkable. I mean saw a real train, not one of those in pictures. That day I looked,
sorry, I stared. I fact, I kept staring until the enormous sight disappeared.
Then
I began to want to be inside one. This time it was just for adventure. I began
to strategize how I would go to the train station whenever I was in Lagos and
board one. Try as hard I could, my programme just did not allow me. Until the
appetite disappeared.
I
don’t like the fact that I lost my appetite (not for food though) but the circumstances
that led to the loss could not have had
any other effect.
I
was in a bus when I saw people hanging from all sides of the train. They were
even passengers on top of the train.
“WHAT!”
I
did not let go of the first convenient opportunity to ask the reason for the
hang-ons on the train. The reasons were varied: inadequate transport means,
fast (no hold up on the rail), and of course, it is cheap. I really did not get
to find out how cheap it was but I was getting excited and asked more
questions.
“Be
careful, they are very vicious” one of those I inquired from said.
I
did not understand what he meant until I was walked down the road on evening and
saw people running away from stones being hurled at them. When the commotion
had stopped, I asked a bystander what it was all about.
“Is
this your first time here? The train passengers use it (stones) to stop
onlookers from taunting them in any way.
What
a way, I thought to myself as I worked away from the commotion site.
One
thing was definite for me. If this is what a train ride is, I will not be
getting in it soon.
