I am a Nigerian who has lived in Nigetia since birth. I grew up in one of the most crazy-rough parts of town in my state. Whenever the place is mentioned, many think of it with hate and fear and mix of all of those other bad emotions.
The area was(it's not so much as it was then) known for insecurity and crime. Years ago, when I was much a younger person in high school, cultism was the hallmark. Very rampart. These guys caused so much disruption and brought about mayhem both to dwellers in the location and visitors alike.
There have been different insecurity issues at different points, with one always taking the forefront while the rest loom in the background. After all the cultist problems came kidnapping on the rise and people were scared to leave their houses for fear of not returning. These kidnappers got their targets, put across calls to their families, and made them pay outrageous sums. Failure to pay and the result would be disastrous on the victim. I knew a couple of persons who fell victim.
Then came the one-chance, which was a little like kidnapping, but a younger version, although they were both depressing. In this one, unsuspecting people got into vehicles, and as it was said that they operate, they take their valuables off them, even emptying their accounts and drop them at any destination whatsoever to find their way back You know what, they could drop the victim in a different state, too.
Then came the road insecurity. Traveling became a scary experience. Even making trips within a city to certain parts was fearful as armed bandits hid around in those roads and jumped out to do evil to travelers, even killing some.
With the emergence scam/internet fraud, the rate of cultists took a downhill slope and then people had to live in fear of losing their monies to these riffraffs who would rather rob people of their hard-earned monies than take up honest jobs for themselves.
I can go on and on exhaustively about the many crimes that happen in this country. It is terrible and very worrisome to think about. With the current economic situation of the country, you can be sure that it is not any better. Things haven't gotten milder. Crime is still on the rise.
However , this would not make me dissuade anyone from visiting cause, look at it, I am here, my family is too amd there are millions of other inhabitants who are doing fine as well. There is no country that is free of crime and insecurity. Not one. It's just the state of things in every place, only that some are at higher rates than others.
There are military and para-military officials to ensyre safety but we know that thryre not a hundred perecent. Even safe parts of town have their share of chaos. Thats just life.
Nigeria is a beautiful country with amazing people, great food, the best of laughter/cruise, great entertainment, and optimism. Any one who chooses to visit should do so, and make sure that while here, they do t live in fear for what they may have heard but apply cautiousness just as they would in any other place. Just be smart.
Currently, many people here are hoping and looking to move to other climes. This, I would say, is not because of the state of insecurity, but for a want of a better life amd good loving conditions which we are unable to access due to the slow progression of development here. I tell you frankly that if things worked better, many Nigerians, even with whatever insecurity situations we might be faced with, would not consider relocation except for exploration and vacation purposes.
Personally, I'm looking to explore as many countries as possible, especially the European climes.
Visit Nigeria if you may, you'll love it!
This is my participation to the #iucontest. Look it up and share your opinion. I'll love to read.
Thanks for stopping by.
SOKA🖤