Once upon a time, in a famous and widely celebrated city called Apomu, lived a legendary hunter named Banji. The city of Apomu was known for its vibrant markets, strong traditions, and brave warriors, but among them all, Banji stood out as a hero. He was a man of extraordinary strength, wisdom, and courage. People said Banji could capture a lion alive without using any weapon, and because of this, everyone in Apomu respected and honoured him greatly. Children looked up to him, adults admired him, and even the elders believed he was blessed by the gods.
One fateful day, something unexpected happened in Apomu. A group of unknown kidnappers stormed the king’s palace at night and abducted the King of Apomu. The news spread quickly, and the villagers were thrown into confusion and fear. Many wondered how kidnappers could be so bold as to touch the king, the highest authority in the land. People gathered in small groups, whispering and shaking their heads, saying, “If the king is not safe, then who is?”
A few days after the king’s disappearance, the kidnappers struck again. This time, they kidnapped one of the king’s chiefs. Panic filled the hearts of the villagers. Mothers held their children close. Elders locked their doors earlier than usual. People said to one another, “We do not know who will be the next victim.” The fear in the city was so strong you could almost feel it in the air.
The next morning, the kidnappers sent a message to the people of Apomu. They demanded a ransom of 100 million before they would release the king and the abducted chief. They gave the villagers only three days to gather the money, threatening that if they delayed, they would kill the king. This message shook the entire city. Many villagers ran to the chief’s house, advising that something needed to be done immediately. Some suggested consulting an oracle for spiritual guidance. Others believed their only hope was Banji, the mighty hunter who had never lost a battle.
The following day, the chiefs came together and decided to approach Banji. They walked to his house with heavy hearts. Upon arrival, they greeted him respectfully. Banji welcomed them and asked why they had come to his home in such a large group.
The chiefs replied.
explained that it was because of the king’s situation. Banji, to their surprise, asked, “What happened to the king?” The chiefs looked at each other in shock. One chief asked Banji if he was not living in the same city with them. Banji replied that he was indeed in the city, and asked what kind of help they wanted from him.
The chiefs told him they wanted him to use his power and skills to rescue the king. Banji agreed, but on one condition: if he successfully brought the king back to the palace, the king would have to divide his wealth into two and give him half. The chiefs shook their heads immediately and said that such a request was impossible. Banji simply nodded and allowed them to leave.
Months later, as if the city had not suffered enough, the kidnappers returned. This time, they kidnapped two chiefs and, to everyone’s shock, two of Banji’s children. The city fell into deeper fear and sorrow. But secretly, the remaining chiefs were glad because they believed Banji would now have no choice but to act.
The next day, they went to Banji’s house to console him. When they arrived, they found him preparing for a rescue mission. They quickly told him they now agreed to his previous request. But Banji looked at them and said, “I do not want the king’s wealth anymore. All I want is my children.” The chiefs were shocked. As they walked home, they laughed among themselves, saying Banji understood nothing.
Three days later, Banji set out on his dangerous journey. Along the way, he heard villagers murmuring. Some said Banji had no real power, while others mocked him, saying that if he truly had strength, he should go and face the kidnappers. Their words pained him deeply, but he did not stop. He pressed forward with determination in his heart.
Banji eventually located the kidnappers’ hideout. A fierce battle followed, filled with shouts, struggle, and courage. Banji fought bravely, defeating the kidnappers one by one. By the end, he rescued everyone, the chiefs, the kidnapped villagers, and most importantly, his children.
When Banji returned to the village with all the captives, the people erupted in joy. They shouted, “Banji the hunter! He did it! He saved us!”
The next day, the king honoured Banji with a chieftaincy title in his palace, thanking him for his bravery. But soon after, the truth came out one of the chiefs, a close adviser to the king, had been sponsoring the kidnappers all along. The king immediately ordered his arrest.
From that day on, peace returned to Apomu, and the city began to flourish once again under the protection of the brave and noble hunter, Banji.
Thanks for reading.
Pictures is mine .
