I always had half the mind towards superstitions, especially from the stories told by adults then. I would listen but there was no belief. I would always say at the back of my mind, when I see it, I’d believe it. I grew up doubting multiple ‘spectacular’ stories and experiences shared, that was until... her.

It happened in 2018. I was rounding up high school when we got an invite to a Youth Camp. It was free but we had to seek permission from our guardians to go. My mom was not against it, as I had never experienced camping before. However, it was not the regular tents in the woods kind of thing; rather, it was in a boarding school, Panaf. I did not mind. All I cared for was the new experience.

It was a three days camp. Our schedule was planned and fixed from breakfast to 'lights out' prayers. The first day was to get ourselves acquainted with one another. I had a slight difficulty making new friends, so I stuck to my classmates. But, the manual filing system, who was in the person of Mrs. Yakubu, gave us separate rooms and number cards that separated us. Not one of my classmates ended up with me. How very shocking…not. Life always finds a way to give me the middle finger and I mentally returned it as I not so graciously dragged my suitcase with me.

Thoughts of how I would get through the day plagued my mind. I was the first into the dorm. The flaking navy blue paint irked me for some reason, throw in the lack of proper sunlight and you had the perfect recipe for raising my hackles and anxiety. I took a deep breath and chose the bunk at the far corner of the room, much closer to the window. I hate heights so… I took the one closest to the ground.

Moments later, chatter and laughter had filled the room. We were not allowed in with phones - not like I had one - but the buzz kill was not being able to bring even a book. I guess they meant serious business when they themed it, 'Youth 4 Christ'. I forgot to mention it was a Christian program.

Hours passed and I am got relaxed especially after speaking to two girls who were bold enough to ask my name and school. Soon, I was swept into a conversation regarding the diversity of our schools. We all came from humble backgrounds which formed some camaraderie among us all. It felt nice talking to actual people, as I rarely did that at home.

Fast forward to another few hours and we were returning from the brief with the Host and committee in charge of our welfare all throughout camp. We were given a handbook as well as a brief summary of the Do’s and Don’ts while within the walls of Panaf School. It was 11:45pm by the time we had showered and laid comfortably on our beds. Excitement sizzled in the air taking away sleep and making us talk deep into the night. The lights had flickered at some point but we thought nothing of it.

As it grew chillier, I had no reservations sharing my blanket with a fellow sister. It was cozy even. Then the lights flickered again for a longer period.

“You think something is wrong with the wiring?” Hannah, beside me, asked.

“I would not be surprised. This school is as old as my forefathers.” Rachael replied

“As in ehn…”

On cue, the lights flickered again. Coming on and off…

“Divine, please switch it off before they say we spoiled their bulb.”

I moved to turn it off when I heard it…

Koi!

“Did you hear that?” I asked with my hand paused on the switch.

“Hear what?” One of the girls asked

“I heard it! It’s madam koi koi!” Temitope said with eyes wide as saucers.

We all fell silent. My heart was pounding in my ears as I remembered the many tales of Madam Koi Koi. The mysterious woman who wore only one red shoe and prowled on boarding school students. There were so many versions as to who she was and how she came to be. None of them sat well with me because I believed she was only a myth.

After what felt like eternity and hearing nothing, I spoke,

“Should I still turn it off?”

“Yes please.”

I did and for a time, no one moved and then…

Koi! Koi! Koi!

The unmistakable sound of heels meeting with the cement floor filled the hallway. I could not see the faces of my dorm mates but I could feel Hannah trembling beside me.

“Blood of Jesus…” someone whispered

I was still. Too still. My heart pounded in my ears as my limbs seemed to go limp. It almost felt like being suffocated.

Fear. This was true fear.

Koi! Koi! Koi!

“Divine,” Hannah whispered hoarsely, “I can’t move. I’m trying to but I can’t move”.

“Me neither.”

The atmosphere plunged several degrees, my hairs standing on end as the sound got closer and closer until it stopped. Right at our door…

“Did anyone lock the door?” I whispered to Hannah.

“I don’t know. Ah…Jesus please…”

My mind went to all the times I ran out of my room because it was dark, or was scared to go to the bathroom because there was no light. I thought that was fear. But I was wrong. Fear was happening and it was a person.

We all waited with baited breath. Seconds turned to minutes. Hannah finally managed to hold my hand, her warmth permeating my senses. It almost felt like the last beacon of hope before death. I just cannot explain it.

Then, we heard it again.

Koi! Koi! Koi!

Footsteps retreating. We heard her climb the stairs leading to the first floor of the two-story building. We remained quiet until the pandemonium ensued. People were screaming from above and doors were clanging shut. Soon, doors on our floor began to open, students filing out – us included – committee as well.

I have never been the same since that encounter. And, I no longer doubt the myth that is Madam Koi Koi.

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All rights reserved || @deraaa, 26th March 2024

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