LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- It is the last month of the year, a time to reflect on all the craziness the year brought while one prepares for the next. It is also the time for holidays, the grace to be outside laughing and enjoying life with loved ones.
The joy of the holiday with all its pleasures sometimes births in individuals’ recklessness and negligence especially among road users.
According to the 2024 Global Terrorist Index, Nigeria, ranks 8th among the the most dangerous countries in the world due to insecurity, caused by the many crimes plaguing the nation and its people.
During this festive season, the chances of having your car hijacked, robbed, kidnapped for ransom, involved in an accident, defrauded and even entering the popular ’one chance’ buses, are very high.
This year, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), reported that over 3000 people lost their lives in road crashes across the country.
This figure will go higher during this period of festivities as many people will become careless to road rules and unobservant of their surroundings. There will also be an increase in the number of organized crimes targeting high-profile individuals, the unlucky and unobservant ones.
Notwithstanding, there are certain things one must do to keep safe, especially those living or visiting security-risk areas.
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From the recommendations of a Nigerian security expert, here are four (4) crucial tips that will help keep you on guard as you enjoy this season:
- Always be at alert. While you are on that trip, having fun at that party, or inside that bus, watch yourself and never let your guard down. Above all, watch what you say, who you say it to and the environment where you say it.
- Don’t allow your need for money cloud your better judgment. Try not to fall victim to the many Ponzi schemes that will be advertised this period, or allow your desperation lead you into gambling, drug dealing or illicit sexual activities.
- Enjoyment is necessary but please don’t risk your life for it. Between July 2022 and July 2023 alone, over 4000 persons were kidnapped in Nigeria. Visiting some areas or embarking on that journey may be necessary but not important enough for you to endanger your life and cause your loved ones pain. Watch where you go and who you are with.
- Don’t wait for it to happen before you plan, always have a contingency plan. If you really have to go, then do your research ahead and make realistic plans that guarantees your safety, just incase.
However, the matters of security falls mainly to the government to keep the streets safe from criminals and provide reliable and timely emergency services for the unavoidable incidents.
Members of the community as well as government, private and community security operatives should come together, share intelligence and help each other protect lives and properties.
The gift of life should give you hope that there is still time to achieve next year what was delayed this year. Make it a daily habit to be security conscious, learn self defense if you can, and always keep an eye out for you neighbor.!
Communities without security measures should also establish one, follow-up on it and maintain cordial relationship with governmental security agencies.
