A few days ago, a heartbreaking incident shook many of us. Armed robbers attacked a residential building in Abuja. In the chaos, a young news anchor and producer at ARISE News, just beginning to blossom in her career, was caught in the terror of the moment.
She lived on the third floor. In fear and panic, she made a split-second decision to jump from her apartment balcony. She was rushed to the hospital, but sadly, she didn’t survive.
This story isn’t just about crime. It’s about something deeper — the devastating impact of fear.
The Power of Fear
Fear is a natural human response, designed to keep us alive. It sharpens our senses, triggers adrenaline, and prepares us to fight or flee. But panic is fear at its peak, when reason gives way to impulse.
In moments of panic, the brain bypasses logic. Decisions are no longer weighed carefully; they are rushed, instinctive, and desperate. And sometimes, they are fatal.
That’s what makes this loss even more heartbreaking. It wasn’t the robbers’ weapons that ended her life; it was the overwhelming grip of panic.
Could She Have Survived Otherwise?
It’s a question that lingers painfully: if she hadn’t jumped, would she still be alive?
Most likely, yes. As terrifying as an armed robbery is, survival often comes from staying as calm as possible: hiding, waiting, or complying until the danger passes. Many people survive such incidents because they manage to resist the urge to act on panic.
But it’s never that simple. In that moment, she didn’t see options. She only saw escape. And who can judge her for that? Fear makes the safest person feel trapped, and the most rational mind act irrationally.
Lessons in the Midst of Tragedy
This loss is painful, but it also leaves us with a lesson we cannot ignore. Fear, left unchecked, can become more dangerous than the threat itself.
So, what can we learn?
- Cultivate Calm Before Crisis
We may never know how we’ll respond until danger strikes. But practicing calmness, even in small daily stresses, can help build resilience. Breathing techniques, mindfulness, and prayer are not clichés—they train the mind to pause before reacting. - Awareness Saves Lives
Sometimes, knowledge is survival. Knowing the safest spots in your home, understanding escape routes, or learning how to manage panic responses can make the difference. - Choose Life Over Impulse
In any crisis, the first rule is simple: protect life. Property can be replaced. Safety lies not in rash escape, but in staying alive long enough for the danger to pass.
A Final Reflection
Her story is a sobering reminder: fear can cloud judgment, panic can push us to fatal choices, and life can change in seconds.
May her soul rest in peace. And may we, who are left behind, remember this hard lesson—in the face of danger, calm is not weakness. Calm is survival.
