Lagos is notorious for its heavy vehicular traffic and gridlock. Working in Lagos Island made James adopt an early morning routine to enable him to negotiate his way past the traffic congestion that often occurs en route to work. James had a friend who had a car and always gave him a lift on his way back home. He appreciated her kind gesture as he did not have to board a bus back home consequently saving money that would have been spent on transport fare. James' closeness with her also made him become friends with some of her colleagues who she also offers a lift back home after the close of work. James became close over time and enjoyed each other's company.
One day an unfortunate incident happened on his way back from the Island. His friend picked him up after the close of work as usual. They exchanged pleasantries with everyone in the car as she drove off. They discovered on the way that the route they usually ply, that is Third Mainland Bridge, had heavy traffic and decided to take an alternative route known at IJORA Seven-Up. They thought the traffic situation on this route would be better. Unfortunately, They were wrong! As they approached the overhead bridge on this route they noticed that there was traffic there too. They could not negotiate their way out and therefore had to be patient.
James listened to the music being played on the stereo in the car to pass time. Others decided to use their phones to keep themselves occupied as they slowly moved in traffic. The glasses of the car's door were wound down to allow for adequate ventilation. The car's air conditioning system was faulty. The traffic moved slowly and was exhausting. They spent over one hour ascending the overhead bridge! Petty traders also took advantage of the situation to sell their products like potable bottled water, snacks and beverages to commuters.
They eventually got on the overhead bridge and were trying to negotiate their way down when his friend's phone was forcefully taken from him by a thief who pretended to be a pedestrian. The incident happened so fast that they were in disbelief! Everyone in the car hurriedly got down from the car, raised an alarm for help and ran after the thief. As they chased him they were surprised to see him pass the phone to another guy who was on the median of the road. He then ran to the other side of the road and also passed the phone to someone else. This was their mode of operation! A strategy to evade their victims. It hurt them as they watched them escape. They went back to the car feeling disappointed. James' friend whose phone was stolen was sad as he had sensitive information on his phone. They began to question their decision to follow this route! Perhaps this incident would not have happened! But can they predict future occurrences?
James then learnt an important lesson from that experience and that is to be security conscious in any situation that he finds himself and the need to keep his phone safe in traffic. Inevitably, some pedestrians are actually thieves who prey on ignorant people in traffic situations. Better safe than sorry!
Thanks for reading,
Have a splendid day folks..
Things happen when they are going to happen but how unpleasant a situation like that, it generates a lot of frustration, in those moments one says where are the authorities and justice?
Things do happen unexpectedly. I hope we uphold good values as a people and don't exploit others when they are vulnerable.
Thanks for reading.