Tips on how to avoid being kidnapped in Nigeria
The rate at which people are being kidnapped in Nigeria is alarming although our Nigerian security agencies are yet to come up with a concrete figure but we all know that kidnapping/crime has escalated.
Kidnappings kingpin Evans has been in the news for days.
These few security tips should help you stay safe and secure, not just from falling prey to kidnapping but other crimes during these trying times:
1. Change up your routes: If you are a fan of crime TV shows, you would know that kidnappers usually stalk their prey days before the actual crime is committed. Please don’t make their work easy for them in real life. Change up your routes when carpooling between your office, home, church/mosque or kids schools.
2. Don’t trust anyone: just because he is your driver, househelp, plumber, security guard and sadly, your friend or family member, In fact, most kidnappings are usually inside-jobs. If any behavior seems suspicious, ask questions. Or better yet, stay away.
3. Don’t hang around broken down vehicles: So your car breaks down in the middle of the road. The right thing to do is wait for the mechanic or by your car.Security experts suggest waiting in a public area instead, particularly at night.
4. Don’t drive alone: Driving alone late at night must be avoided at all costs. If you work in an office, offer a colleague a ride home instead of journeying solo. The likelihood of being abducted when you are with someone is much lower than when you are alone.
5. Don’t offer strangers lifts: Speaking of lifts, this isn’t the time to be a Good Samaritan . We already have people we know to be concerned about as stated earlier. Adding strangers to the mix makes things more risky. If you’re a pedestrian, avoid random pickups at all costs.
6. Don’t talk to strangers: When we were younger, our parents warned us not to talk to strangers. Somehow, this got lost as years went bym
7. Eye contact: So you are walking home alone and notice that someone keeps following you. Don’t panic. Simply make eye contact with the individual.
According to security experts, a kidnapper might be dissuaded from kidnapping you, knowing that you are likely to remember how he looks if you get away.
8. Be extra vigilant: Last but not least,. it’s important that we establish how crucial being vigilant of your surroundings is, especially when on the move. Avoid strolling while listening to music, text-driving and other things that limit your attention. This makes you an easy target for kidnappers and other criminals.
