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Staring Into The Barrel Of A Gun…personal

jacquelineobyikocha

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Lagos toughens you up! When I talk about Grace and Mercy watching out for me, it is with the deepest conviction of my heart.

I have been through so many scary moments, that some day’s when I look at myself with all my appendages intact, I know that it is not sheer luck.

‘‘That my life is a testimony.”

My guardian angel has been on full time duty!

If you have lived in Lagos and did not experience one or two hairy-scary moments in your life, then as a matter of compulsion, you have to do Thanksgiving.

It is a bustling, heavily populated, quirky and awesomely crazy city that busts at it seams with rich culture and entertainment.

The commercial nerve center of Nigeria.

As a Lasgidi babe; once a Lagos chic, always a Lagos chic, I love my Lagos to bits, but I also detest a good number of things about it.

To cut a long story short, back in the days when daylight robbery was almost a norm, I was mugged 3 different times at 3 different locations and in the same city by the  one’s that are called ” Area boys.”

Secondly, I have faced the barrel of a shotgun of the ‘men of the underworld’ aka highway robbers, 3 consecutive times.

Once was during the wee hours of the morning when they came calling, the next time was on the high street in my car and yet again, shortly before Christmas just as I left a bank.

It scared the jeepers out of my life. My skin flew off my bones in fright and in the last incident for the first time, I was violently ill and experienced an unbelievable migraine. Nightmares ensued and I fled to Europe for several weeks to calm my nerves.

Several months following these incidents, when a stranger came too close, I would practically jump out of my skin, my knees would get all trembly and my pulse rate would simply get erratic.

Indeed, when I look back and think of the times that I stared death in the face, I marvel. One day, I shall write a comprehensive story of these moments.

The rampage in Lagos has gone down over the years.

The robberies are of a more sophisticated nature these days, but there was a season when the men of the underworld reigned supreme!

© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha

The Daily Post prompt Safety First.

Share the story of a time you felt unsafe.

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Published by jacquelineobyikocha

A wordsmith with a vivid imagination, an eager mind and a burning desire to carve out tales. As I journey with my muse to that land of all possibilities and self discovery, I hope my personal evolution will serve as a beacon of inspiration for anyone who chooses to stop by.

35 thoughts on “Staring Into The Barrel Of A Gun…personal”

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    1. I have lived in the USA and also been to Netherlands. I agree with being more peaceful, but I am questioning the state of US right now. By the time we moved from Houston to Dubai in July, the spate of police shooting blacks was getting a bit too sporadic.

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      1. Agreed but the USA is huge and not all police departments are the same. Where I am, there’s really a good relationship between the officers and the civilians and I have not experienced any racial tension here. The USA, one country, is as big as the European continent. It is always easier to reform or to change when your country is a fraction of that size. But all in all, there are great places here that are really peaceful. They just do not make the news. Neither do all the officers who serve with integrity.

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  6. Amen Jacqueline! Almighty God is amazing at sending Hid Angels to spare our lives. We are blessed that He has great purpose in our lives to fulfill for His Glory. I call it “THE CHOSEN”. Continued blessings my dear, Emma

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      1. And sometimes, my friend, the simplest, kind comment can make the difference between a very good day and a horrible day. I am glad for the opportunity to get to know you, friend. Happy New Year!

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  10. Oh. My. Goodness. That is scary as all get out. I’m sure many big cities have unsafe areas and I know some parts of the world are even less safe, especially for women. I’m so sorry you went through that. Our first home was broken into an burglarized while everyone was gone and it still felt like an awful violation. If writing about it would be helpful, then you absolutely should…

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    1. Ah! I am just seeing this comment Diane. The feeling of violation is real but talking about it, writing about it really helped me get over a whole lot of hang-ups. Thank you for sharing your experience. It is really frightening to have one’s home invaded.

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  12. Well, I’m glad that you got through it Jacqueline dear! Yes. Where would we be without your wonderful contributions to the world? Sadly desperate for something to pick at our brains!
    Must’ve been scary but thank goodness that the strong survive!

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  13. Coincidence much that I watched a YouTube video of angels today and I felt chills some time in between. Your guardian angel is like God’s police, I suppose. Thank God for mercies. I also urge everyone to be extra vigilant around this time, some young men make it their duty to rob and harm people.

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  15. Oh my!! To survive 3 different robberies…1 of them being an armed robbery…wow. Yes your guardian angel definitely has been working overtime. How terrifying it must have been for you! What a bunch of low life cowards!

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I love it when you decorate my heart with your words..