About Bloodhood
The Inciting Incident
Set in the atmospheric sprawl of Igando, Lagos, the story begins at the Igando Central Hotel, where a celebratory night for three friends—Kola, Kayode, and Obinna—devolves into a brutal massacre. The violence is sparked by a confrontation between the Red Sea and Blood Moon cults. Amongst the attackers is Obinna’s elder brother, Ugo (known as ‘Slaughter’), a high-ranking Red Sea enforcer whose chilling prophecy—”Ground dey thirsty”—sets the tone for the coming carnage.
The Rising Action
The aftermath of the hotel massacre shatters the trio’s bond. Seeking protection and vengeance, the friends are drawn deeper into the underworld. Kayode’s world collapses when his brother, Tunji, is executed by the Red Sea sovereign, Dragon. Consumed by grief, Kayode seeks out a village seer, Mama Janga, to undergo dark rituals to become “unbreakable”. Simultaneously, Obinna, haunted by his brother’s path, seeks out the White Witch to gain supernatural “juju” that renders him impervious to bullets.
The Midpoint & Climax
The narrative shifts from street skirmishes to an ideological purge as Kayode (leading the Blood Moon) and Obinna (leading the Red Sea) become the very predators they once feared. The rivalry reaches a fever pitch after Obinna carries out high-profile assassinations, including a political figure, further destabilising the region.
The climax occurs in a visceral, lightless confrontation where the two former friends—now supernatural rivals—engage in a mortal struggle. Obinna eventually bypasses Kayode’s supernatural protection by using a small, sharp shard to stab him in the chest.
The Resolution
Following the duel, Obinna visits an old neighbour, Mama Iyabo, who reveals a devastating truth: Kayode was Obinna’s biological brother, fathered by the same man during a past affair. The “Bloodhood” they sought in their respective gangs was a perversion of the literal bloodline they shared.
The story concludes with Obinna broken and hollowed out by the psychological weight of fratricide. Kola, the only one to survive with his soul intact, attempts to help Obinna, but the cycle of violence has left “No Victor All Vanquished”.
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Author Bio:
Ukeme Okon is a distinguished author of historical fiction and epic narratives, specialising in the rich, complex heritage of West African empires. With a focus on the mid-18th century Benin Empire, his work meticulously reconstructs the “Golden Age” of Oba Akengbuda, exploring the volatile intersection of imperial power, ancient mysticism, and the unyielding weight of aristocratic honour.
A dedicated scholar of pre-colonial social structures, Okon’s writing is characterised by its “parlance of authenticity”—weaving traditional proverbs and the intricate protocols of the Benin court into visceral, high-stakes dramas. His seminal work, Lust to Dust, serves as both a gripping historical epic and a profound cultural commentary on the devastating consequences of pride and the enduring relevance of women’s honour in political history.
Okon’s literary philosophy is deeply rooted in his appreciation for spiritual guidance and the steadfast support of his community, including the Society of Saint Pius (SSPX) and the Salesians of Don Bosco. He is committed to the British (Oxford and Cambridge) international standard for literary expression, ensuring his narratives resonate with a sophisticated global readership while preserving the unique linguistic rhythm of the African past.
Through his storytelling, Okon aims to bridge the gap between historical legacy and contemporary reflection, providing a voice to the “shining two-edged swords of life” that shaped the destiny of empires.