This ember month, beware.

Monday, 12 September 2016 ‘Ember Months’: Abuja Resident Escapes Ritualist, Safety Precaution Advised Photo - connectnigeria AN Abuja resident (name withheld), yesterday shared an experience about almost been killed by a taxi driver. Speaking on a group platform, the visibly-shaken entrepreneur said, ‘I got a cab (from Gwarinpa) to take me home (to Duboyi area of Abuja). On the Gwarinpa express (the taxi driver) pulled up by the road and brought out a knife that looks like one they use to cut Suya. I went cold. Then he showed it to me and told me that his intention was to remove my vital parts but what saved me was the fact that I greeted him with respect when I entered his car (I always greet all of them)…’ She was subsequently released unhurt. Sometime ago also, a lady waiting for a cab around the Yar’Adua Centre area was abducted by 2 men who alighted from a car, cornered her and dragged her into the waiting car and sped off. Cases also abound of the notorious ‘one-chance’ where many residents have been robbed and hurt. As we begin the notorious ‘ember months’, synonymous with increase in criminality, Nigerians have been advised to be more cautious in their daily endeavours Here are some useful safety tips for these ‘ember months’, and after. · As much as possible, always seat at the back of a taxi. If threatened inside a moving car, do not be afraid to open the car door while ensuring that you are properly seated. Many times, a driver will not drive with the car door open · Avoid late nights, especially if you are travelling alone and plan to take a taxi home · Do not walk alone in a dark, lonely or long path · Avoid alleys, no matter how much that may shorten your travel · Especially at night, insist on seeing the trunk (or booth) of any taxi you are to board. Ensure it is empty. Many criminals have been known to hide in there and emerge as the journey progresses. It may shock you that some drivers will not oblige your request · Once you board a reasonably safe cab, you may want to launch a ‘first attack’ to dissuade the driver from thinking or planning ill. You may complain about how difficult your job is as an undercover police officer, how when people realize what you do, keep a distance, how you have had to tackle criminals, engage in gun duels and all. Think of any heroic stories that could deter a would-be attacker from contemplating you. Rehearse this story, and have it always ready to tell. · When in a taxi, be careful not to use your phone for calls or games. Use of phone may distract you. You need all the concentration · Avoid been under the influence of drugs or alcohol, especially when you have to take a taxi home or drive · If you are on a ‘drop’, once boarded, never allow the driver to pick anyone else on the road, no matter the circumstance · If you are in a taxi already carrying passengers, alight immediately you notice (a) the driver picks up a fight or argument with a ‘fellow passenger’, (b) a passenger pretends to be lost and needs direction from you or the driver (why did they wait until your boarding before the discussion) (c) a passenger/driver claims that a passenger is carrying large sums of money, hence needs to be reported to the police or you are invited to join in the business that yields such profit (d) other passengers/driver get too familiar or friendly · If you are about to board a taxi already carrying passengers, do not enter if, when you flag the taxi down and attempt to enter, the passenger sitting by the window alights and encourages you to go in as he will alight shortly. Do not agree to be sandwiched. · Do not be afraid to scream to attract attention.