STREETS RAISED ME

“Warri, I be real Warri pikin — na we go later run every street" The year is 2000 in Warri, Nigeria. Eleven-year-old Tony Black is suffocating under the weight of his family's distant privilege—a world of stern fathers, preoccupied mothers, and dismissive siblings. But the thick, humid air of Warri carries a dangerous, hidden truth, a reality his cousin, Kene, is about to expose. Kene, unlike Tony's family, is street-smart and unburdened by their rigid expectations. He promises to show Tony "how things really work around here." Tony is pulled into a clandestine world, far from his family's watchful eyes. Kene leads him to a dimly lit compound, a discreet hive of activity bustling with young men barely older than himself. Here, hushed whispers speak of stolen land and desperate self-preservation in a city that seemingly ignores them. Kene, a clear leader within this confraternity, unveils a map of Warri, transforming the familiar city into a battleground of marked territories and shifting alliances. Tony witnesses their raw anger, their fierce loyalty, and the injustices that fuel their desperate fight for survival—a sense of belonging his own detached family has never offered. The night shatters Tony's comfortable world. His opulent house, once a sanctuary, now feels like a hollow stage set, and his family, oblivious to his harrowing journey, seems alien. Alone in his room, the trappings of his former life feel meaningless. Kene's words echo in his mind: "This is our world, Tony. It's not always pretty, but it's real. And it's where we belong." Tony finds himself caught between two starkly different lives, embracing a dangerous double life: good at home, meticulously maintaining appearances, but undeniably drawn to the power and camaraderie of the streets. He knows one terrifying truth: he can never go back. The streets of Warri have claimed a piece of him, and he finds he loves that part more than any other. They will never let him go. (Warning: This novel is a work of fiction. It contains mature themes including crime, violence, cult activity, and moral conflict, all portrayed for the purpose of storytelling, cultural reflection, and character development. The book does not promote or glorify illegal behavior, but rather seeks to explore the psychological, societal, and emotional consequences of crime and betrayal, especially among youths growing up in challenging environments. The protagonist’s journey from innocence to criminal entanglement is portrayed as a complex evolution shaped by personal choices, betrayal, systemic failure, and environmental pressure. All characters, organizations, and events are fictional. Any resemblance to real persons or incidents is purely coincidental. Reader discretion is advised.) (Content Advisory: This is a fictional story intended for mature audiences. It contains themes related to personal struggle, societal pressure, street life, and the consequences of poor choices. The characters and events are entirely fictional and are not meant to encourage or glorify illegal behavior of any kind. The story follows the emotional, mental, and environmental challenges faced by young people growing up in high-pressure environments. Its aim is to raise awareness, spark conversation, and deliver a powerful narrative, not to promote violence or crime. Reader guidance is advised for younger audiences.)