Criminal activities, particularly those involving physical harm, appear to be at an all-time high in recent months. Numerous cases are reported almost hourly, with social media and web blogs detailing the gruesome nature of these crimes. According to Inspector-General of Police Olukayode Egbetokun, Nigeria has a police-to-citizen ratio of 1 to 650, while the United Nations recommends a ratio of 1 to 400 making it difficult to secure the lives and properties of citizens.
In response, some citizens have resorted to hiring local security personnel, known as Ọlódę, to patrol their neighbourhoods at night. However, this is not a widespread practice. Some individuals have also adopted various measures to ensure their safety and that of their loved ones including watching shows like In Pursuit with John Walsh, True Crime with Aphrodite Jones, Caught in the Net (airing weekly on Discovery ID, Ch. 103), Dead Reckoning (airing weekly on Real Time, Ch. 35), and Big Little Crimes (airing weekly on CBS Reality, Ch. 39) on GOtv that share insights into crimes and criminals.
Here are more tips on staying safe at home, in transit, and on outings.
At Home:
Maintaining a positive relationship with your neighbours can go a long way toward fostering a safe community. It’s also important to adopt a low-key lifestyle to avoid drawing unwanted attention. Be cautious about sharing personal information with strangers and on social media and remain vigilant about your surroundings and the people who frequent your home.
While in Transit:
If using commercial transportation, stick to trusted services. Always share your location with your family and friends when using an e-taxi-hailing service. While taking the bus, keep your valuables close to you and out of reach of others. Be vigilant and resist the temptation to sleep.
If driving, keep valuable items like bags and phones out of sight. Always lock your doors, avoid buying items in traffic, and stay focused on the road. These precautions can help reduce your risk of theft or attack.
On Outings:
Avoid late-night outings when possible and try to go out in groups. If you are meeting someone for the first time, especially alone, choose a public and busy location. Also, share the details of your meeting and who you are meeting with family, or friends for added security.
Additionally, stay informed by watching news channels such as Arise TV (Ch. 24), Channels TV (Ch. 27), and TVC News (Ch. 25), all available on GOtv. Keeping up with the news will help you stay updated on events in your surroundings, allowing you to better protect yourself.
To access all these channels and more, subscribe to GOtv now. Subscribe now to GOtv Supa+ and pay 13,900 naira instead of 15,700 naira. Offers close on the 10th of November 2024. Download the MyGOtv App or dial *288#. You can also download the GOtv Stream App to watch your favorite programs on the go.
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