When Fear becomes a Neighbor

 

There is a certain heaviness that settles on a community when uncertainty becomes part of the daily weather. In Nigeria today, insecurity is not an abstract national issue, it has crept into conversations at bus parks, markets, classrooms, and even the quiet corners of our homes. And now, with the recent confirmed/unconfirmed rumors of armed bandits moving in large numbers toward our beloved state, that familiar heaviness has once again returned. People are afraid, and rightly so. When safety is not guaranteed, it becomes harder to breathe normally, let alone sleep with both eyes closed.

In times like this, we must all ensure to;

Avoid unnecessary late-night movements.

Let someone know where we’re going and when we will return.

Learn to quietly observe our surroundings.

Report strange movements instead of assuming “it’s nothing.”

We may not carry weapons, but we can carry awareness.

Nigeria is our country and home, I, and many of you have no other country or home apart from Nigeria.

God Be our Guide and Guard.

®Ahmed Salim Jn ✍️ RCHP 

#Uloko