Afrigather In latest weeks, the tragic kidnapping and subsequent homicide of Christiana Idowu, has reignited the dialog across the alarming rise of violent crimes in Lagos and find out how to keep secure, particularly as a girl.
Christiana was kidnapped whereas in transit, regardless of determined efforts by her household, who paid a part of the ransom demanded by her abductors, Christiana was tragically killed.
This heartbreaking incident is only one of many who have despatched shockwaves via the nation. Because the police proceed their investigation, the case raises essential questions on private security, particularly for girls.
On this time, it’s essential for girls to be geared up with the instruments, methods, and data to guard themselves in on a regular basis conditions. Whereas this isn’t one hundred percent assured, listed below are some methods girls can safeguard themselves amid the rising risk of abductions, assaults, and violence in Nigeria.
Pay attention to your environment
It’s simple to get misplaced in ideas, smartphones, or the hustle and bustle of each day life, however being alert to your environment is essential. Keep away from strolling via remoted streets, alleys, or dimly lit areas, particularly at evening. Follow well-lit and populated routes.
If you happen to discover uncommon exercise or an individual behaving suspiciously, belief your instincts and distance your self from that space or particular person. Additionally, familiarize your self with secure spots like close by police stations, hospitals, or public areas in case of emergencies.
It’s advisable to all the time inform a trusted good friend or member of the family about your whereabouts, particularly when touring alone. Share your commute routes and estimated arrival occasions when utilizing public transport or ride-hailing providers. Make the most of cellular apps that permit dwell location sharing with trusted contacts.
Journey sensible
When utilizing public transport, all the time prioritize security over comfort. In ride-hailing apps like Uber or Bolt, confirm the driving force’s identify, car sort, and plate quantity earlier than entering into the automobile. Share this info with somebody you belief.
If utilizing public buses, sit in additional seen areas and be cautious of people behaving suspiciously.
Belief your intestine
Your instinct is a strong device. If you happen to really feel uncomfortable or sense hazard, don’t hesitate to take rapid motion.
Whether or not it means leaving an space, confronting suspicious conduct, or searching for assist, belief your instincts. Girls typically second-guess themselves, however in issues of security, it’s higher to behave on a hunch than remorse later.
Be cautious of latest relationships
Whereas forming new connections is pure, be cautious about whom you belief, particularly in unfamiliar settings. In courting situations, keep away from sharing private info too shortly, and select public locations for preliminary conferences.
If you happen to really feel uncomfortable with somebody’s conduct, set agency boundaries and don’t really feel obligated to proceed the connection.
Self-defense expertise
Studying primary self-defense methods empowers girls by boosting confidence and probably saving lives. Contemplate enrolling in a good self-defense class the place you may learn to:
Defend your self in case of an assault. Use on a regular basis objects like keys, pens, or pepper spray as protection instruments. Apply verbal assertiveness to ascertain boundaries and deter potential threats.
Whereas social media is an effective way to remain linked, it will possibly additionally expose you to undesirable consideration.
Keep away from posting your precise location, each day routines, or journey plans in actual time. Use privateness settings to manage who can see your posts. If somebody you don’t know is persistently contacting you, block and report them. Don’t have interaction with unknown people who make you’re feeling uneasy.
Additionally, be additional cautious with courting apps. Vet profiles completely, and by no means really feel pressured to fulfill somebody with out establishing a stage of belief.
