The rate of kidnapping in Nigeria in recent times has gone up astronomically, causing some panic among people. These are some things you ...
The rate of kidnapping in Nigeria in recent times has gone up astronomically, causing some panic among people. These are some things you should avoid doing if you don’t want to be a victim. Many warnings have been sounded about dos and don’ts on social media.
An alleged revelation by billionaire kidnapper, Chukwudumeme Onuamadike aka Evans, who was recently arrested adds more reason to why extra care should be taken regarding what is posted on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter etc.
Several other kidnappings have been reported across Nigeria and experts believed the social media is one of the ways kidnappers scout potential victims
1. Posting exact location, address, email and phone number.
Would you tell your contact address to every total stranger you meet on the road? Your answer is as good as almost everyone else’s. So think of leaving your contact details on social media this way. Use the privacy settings on the social media platforms to control this feature.
2. When posting photos of your vacation
When you are going on vacation, the prospect of posting photos and making it public is always exciting, but there are dangers to that.
By posting every move, you may be unknowingly giving out information to criminals about when you are not going to be at home. It may also alert con artists of your presence at the vacation destination.
3. Posting photos of newly acquired assets
Like going on a vacation, it may seem exciting to post the photos of your newly acquired stuff. But you could be attracting some unscrupulous elements to yourself. Thieves have been known to get their information from such sources.
4. Posting details about your kids
Kids are cute. It is very tempting to want to tell everyone about your kids’ new milestone. But you may be unknowingly giving kidnappers information about your kids. It is very dangerous to give out your child’s school and other details online.
5. Don’t express hate in any form
It has become ‘intellectually fashionable’ nowadays to share fantastic political views on social media. Some take it too far. They post hate messages and messages full of racial discrimination. While your circle of friends may understand what you are all about and pardon your faults, some outside of your circle who may see the post may not. It is especially dangerous now that bloggers screenshot your post and share widely.
