22/09/2023
Tale of Suspicion, Bravery and Safety.
On Tuesday morning, I boarded a Danfo bus at Iyana-isolo. My destination was Shimawa, and the bus was originally headed for Berger. I took a seat in the front row, and soon, two more passengers joined us, filling the bus to its maximum capacity.
The journey began without any major stops before Oshodi. During this time, a man alighted at Toyota, and a woman got off at Charity Under Bridge. However, as we approached Oshodi, one of the passengers inquired if the bus is yet to get Ajao Estate. This seemingly innocent question triggered a chain reaction.
At first, the conductor remained quiet, but another passenger in the middle seat started insisting on getting off that moment. Suddenly, about six ladies sitting at the back of the bus decided to disembark as well.
This sudden exodus left me at the front row, the driver, the conductor, a disheveled-looking man in a white shirt and black trousers at the back seat, and an intense-looking, tattooed guy in denim shorts and a jacket sitting right behind me.
In that moment, a sense of unease washed over me, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. I muttered loudly, "Ki le play?" which translates to, "What are you guys up to?" Immediately, Without hesitation, I instructed the driver to stop at the nearest bus stop, Oshodi-Oke, right under the pedestrian bridge.
Initially hesitant, the driver eventually complied with my request. As I disembarked, the guy in denim also hurriedly left the bus, muttering words that conveyed his disappointment.
When I got off the bus, I approached the conductor and requested a partial refund of the money I had already paid. I had noticed that he was hesitant to collect the fare even before the bus had covered a short distance. After a brief argument with the conductor, I received a refund of N400.
The decision to get off the bus was driven by the uncertainty and discomfort I felt about the remaining passengers, prompting me to prioritize my safety and well-being by exiting the bus at Oshodi-Oke.
As I waited for the next available bus, I noticed the man in the white shirt and black trousers also alighting from the bus to join the driver at the front seat. In that moment, I felt reassured that I had made the right decision by trusting my instincts.
The entire experience played out like a scene from a suspenseful movie, and I couldn't be more relieved that I had escaped potential trouble.
Moral of the story: Trust your instincts, as they often provide clues to understanding situations. Develop the ability to assess the atmosphere in any environment you're in, muster the courage to speak up if you detect anything suspicious, and remain vigilant, particularly when commuting.
Anyalebechi, Godwin (GDB)
