Most Dangerous Place on Earth

Nigeria is one of the most dangerous places on earth. It is probably not the malaria or the yellow fever that will kill you. It is probably not the typhoid or the cholera that will kill you. The world's most deadly snakes, the cobras and the black mambas are not likely to kill you. Nor is it the armed robbers or the cultists, who practice human sacrifice (true), who are likely to cause your demise. But, beware the ...

Traffic!

The Nigerians are, in my mind, the worst drivers on the face of the earth. A day does not go by that I don't see a car accident. Today I saw two. The cars are either traveling too fast or too slow, so that on a busy road, some cars are traveling 75 MPH while others are traveling 25. This on a road that doesn't even have lane markings. Throw in a pack 20 Okada and it's chaos. The Okada are the young guys driving 100 CC motorbikes that serve as taxis and they are quite numerous. There are also regular taxis that are generally in very bad repair and there are 3 wheeled, rickshaw like, motorized taxis. It is not uncommon for cars to not have tail lights, brake lights or head lights. Even if the headlights work, they are often not used. I think this is an attempt to extend the life of the lamp. When they are used, they are on high beam, blinding the driver coming from the opposite direction. Flashing your lights at them does nothing.

 Other than the equipment problems, the drivers are awful. They pay no attention to traffic rules, cut you off constantly, and drive on the wrong side of the road, the sidewalk, or any other place that suits them. Finally, there is no such thing as courtesy. Nigerians are lovely, warm people but only when they are pedestrians.

This rant was inspired by the worst wreck I have ever seen in my life. A small bus was hit by a BMW going at very high speed. The bus was totally crushed and burst into flames. Ten people were killed. I hope I get out of here alive.

You can see photos in the Abuja photo folder.

Comments

[Mona]

Personally I think you should put up a disclaimer I am not satisfied with that response, tell me you bump into black mambas and cobras everyday on the main roads if you are not actually in the bushes....tut tut getting me all wound up!=

[Mona]

Come on! I hope you are being cynical, if so, yes I like the humour...I am Nigerian, as well as we have our downers, we certainy have our uppers, and so does every other westernised country. In saying that we still have far to go but come on, the most dangerous place. Tell me you ARE joking.

[Chris]

Bit late to the party here....but have to speak up for Jack. He is not denigrating Nigeria, or the Nigerians. He is commenting on what he finds in this most fascinating of countries that he is visiting! I remember asking Jack to write blogs about what he found when he got to Nigera. I would like to read the objective and candid reports of a man living in what is to him an alien culture; and that involves reading and hearing some good and bad things about Nigeria. I'm a Brit - and there's plenty negative things I would write about both my home country, and my adopted one, namely the US, but which would not mean I didn't love both my homelands. So stop giving Jack a hard time - he isn't implying dangerous snakes roam the streets, he isn't attacking the culture and creeds of Nigeria - he is telling us what he is seeing and how he sees it. Given that he is writing for an audience, he'll be prone to hyperbole now and again - but I think we can forgive him that, maybe even enjoy it. Lighten up readers, stop getting defensive, and enjoy the ride. Maybe then we'll get another post - and it might be like some of the other blogs, full of awe, wonder and admiration for Nigeria and its customs.

[Neil]

Please stope sending me the faxes offering a commission if I tranfer money

Kind regards

Bishop Obutu

[Remi]

Dangerous is very relative...

[Maureen]

I would certainly have to agree with Esta - you have completely painted the country red without even mentioning any of the beauties. There has to be SOMETHING that's still keeping you there but you made it sound like a complete hell hole and like Esta said, you CAN find ALL that in the US. I'm a Nigerian - born and bred but I currently reside in the US so I can tell it to you from both standpoints - it's not all peaches and cream over here and quite honestly I love and miss my country - flaws and all and I can't wait to be done with my schooling so I can return.

I was actually more insulted at the fact that prior to ranting and raving about the traffic system you decided to kill whatever credibility Nigeria has as safe place to visit. You pretty much made it sound as if malaria and all other illnesses are waiting for you at the airport as soon as you step in, oh and my favourite - as if the snakes and dangerous animals are running around loosely in the cities with the people. I would take being bitten by a snake over being mauled by a mountain lion anyday and over here in the U.S. mountain lions hover around RESIDENTIAL AREAS whereas in Nigeria, you tend to encounter snakes in really grassy or forest areas - which is in fact, their habitat; and those who live in such areas know to expect that.

You know, for a foreigner who actually resides in Nigeria, you sound worse than those over here who have only visited or never even been to the country. You give being unappreciative a whole new meaning.

If you don't like it, get the hell out.

[TRAE]

uhm, what can i say...it's a pity u ain't feeling the country, just like ur brother jeremy: http://naijablog.blogspot.com/ . well, hope stuff gets better for u as times goes on. peace!

[Esta Richardsen]

Mr. Jack, what the hell are you doing in the most dangerous place on earth? Pack you back-pack and leave now. Why do you take pleasure misleading and misinforming others about the beauty of Nigeria.

You should share with them your relationship and how you took pictures of the young lady posted in your album page. Did you sleep with her and pay her off? What is your relationship with her? Be candid and share stories of the beautiful people and places in Nigeria. There is nothing in your write-up that one cannot find in the US as well.

You are a disgrace to foreigners who live and visist here!

[Steve Olson]

sort of reminds me of riding with you through the side streets of the south bronx at 70 miles an hour, late for a tee time at pelham!

[Riley]

HOLY CRAP!

I hope you get out of there alive, too. I was having fun with the suspenseful email, but it got ugly very fast. Let's be careful out there, jack. Although it doesn't seem as though you have any control over it.

Good luck.