One of the major problems we face, especially in this part of our world, is the fact that we so much enjoy ignoring things. As long as these things are not happening to us personally, then we really can’t be bothered about them, and if they like, they should happen a million times to a billion people, it really doesn’t concern us. Provided that it’s not our people or us.
This is the mentality of the average mind. We stick our heads in the ground, forgetting just how easy it is for evil to take root and expand. And when it gets to our doorstep, we suddenly act shocked, wondering how we got to that point. It’s crazy, I know!!
These days, one of the trending topics is about celebrities in Lagos who are being targeted by thugs. Driving a fancy car can make you a target, because these young guys will waylay you, demanding money from you, and if you don’t give them, they’ll vandalize your vehicle. That’s how it goes. Many celebrities have spoken up about this, but unfortunately, the only reason they’re speaking up is that this one is affecting them personally.
This thing didn’t start today, it has always been happening. As a young guy walking down the road, you could be accosted by groups of young men. They’ll hail you and then tell you to give them money, when you drive, they’ll control a bit of traffic for you, and then demand money. Back then, 1k, 2k, or even 500 was enough to get them off your back. And back then, regular people were their targets. And despite how often people complained, none of them spoke up.
And now, things have gotten worse. Now, they openly threaten you to give them money, and you have to comply, or you will lose your property. It’s crazy. People keep asking, how did we get here, but I know. And they know. We all saw it, but those of us who felt they were not affected by such things chose to keep quiet and face their front, and now, it’s touching everybody, or someone close to them. And suddenly, they’ve found their voice.
This was the same way that banditry and terrorism started in Nigeria. At one time, it was simply a Northern issue. Only people in the north knew exactly what they were going through while the rest of the country danced amapiano. Many people spoke about it, but still, it was treated as something that was unique to the north. It can never happen to my family and me, that was the prayer of many people.
And now, stories are changing because like play like play, no region is off limits. Enugu in Eastern Nigeria has been hit multiple times by bandits, and Kwara in Western Nigeria has also been hit by bandits as well. The evil we pretended not to see yesterday has finally spread, and now we’re wondering, how did we get here? Now that they’ve touched our neighbors, we’ve realized that they can also touch us. We can’t keep quiet about it. We have to speak up. And so, we speak.
This is not to call out the people who are speaking up about the injustice being done in the country. But those who know it’s being done but refuse to take a stand just because it doesn’t affect them. Many influencers refuse to lend their voice to the people who actually made them famous. They believe that with their wealth, they’ll be secure from whatever may happen. But the people who will make that wealth happen, they’re all on their own.
Let's not wait until things affect us personally before we decide to call it out for what it is. Once we see injustice, we speak up immediately. Because if we keep pretending not to notice, looking to protect only our interests, the tables will turn eventually. One day, those things will happen to you, and better pray that everyone who can make a difference is not also pretending not to notice your plight as well.
Let’s just do better.
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