Anthills Of The Savannah

Chris moves between friends’ houses in Bassa as a fugitive. He is joined by Emmanuel Obete, the Students Union president, who planted a false news story about Chris escaping to London to mislead authorities. A taxi driver named Braimoh (one of the men who visited Ikem) arranges the first leg of their escape plan. Chris disguises himself in Braimoh’s clothes as they approach a major army checkpoint at the Three Cowrie Bridge.

When a soldier seems poised to stop the taxi, Chris and another passenger exit to cross on foot. Noticing this, the soldier stops Chris, who invents an alias and a convincing story. Chris offers the soldier a kolanut, a disarming traditional gesture that, combined with his companion’s casual banter, allows them to pass through the checkpoint. Once across, Chris’s companion advises him on how to better behave like a common man to avoid detection.

Five days after crossing the checkpoint, the group finalizes plans for Chris’s escape to Abazon, Ikem’s home province and the region where Braimoh’s in-laws live. The night before Chris’s departure, Beatrice and Elewa visit Chris at Braimoh’s home in the Bassa slums. Beatrice insists on staying with him for his last night in the city, passing an uncomfortable night in the crowded single room with Braimoh’s family.