The rise of loan sharks in Nigeria has become unimaginably high. There are now so many that you can hardly go a whole week without getting at least one message from a loan shark inviting you to take a loan.

But here’s free advice—don’t! Yes, you heard that right. The best way to deal with loan sharks is to avoid taking any loans from them at all.

Remember, loan sharks are unlicensed money lenders who charge very high interest rates and sometimes use threats and violence to frighten people who can’t repay their loans.

Today, let’s focus our attention on all the numerous reasons you shouldn’t borrow money from these loan sharks.

They typically have a high and unimaginable interest rate

This is, in fact, the most obvious characteristic of loan sharks. While licensed money lenders will charge you minimal interest over a long time, loan sharks charge you outrageous interest over a short time.

They play on borrowers’ desperation to request outrageous interests that often surpass the initial money collected.

ALSO READ: Court orders arrest of top bank officials over ₦1bn loan scandal

You’ll get threatened for not paying on time

Loan sharks are known for their insults and threats. They teach their workers and loan collectors to be uncouth and aggressive. So, once your loan is due, they’ll call you and begin raining insults and threats.

Some don’t even wait until the loan is due. Remember, they’re unlicensed and can’t recover loans through legal means. So, they’ll instead opt for significant threats to scare borrowers. If you can’t stand these threats, you better avoid them altogether.

---

Join Our WhatsApp Group

Don’t miss out on any real-time information. Join our WhatsApp group to stay updated.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN

---

They’ll defame you

Yes, we know how friendly loan shark agents can seem to appear when advertising their platforms to you. But don’t fall for it. They’re also some of the most aggressive organisations out there.

Things can quickly turn south when you don’t pay on time. And, of course, you know that unforeseen circumstances can cause you to delay repayment. Some will go as far as copying the contacts from your phone and sending them unsolicited messages and calls that defame your character.

Borrowing puts you in a circle of debts

ALSO READ: 92 loan companies secure full approval to operate in Nigeria as registration deadline nears

We once created a support group where victims shared their stories about their experience with loan apps. Unfortunately, most people agreed that once they fell into the loan sharks trap, leaving was almost impossible.

They found themselves borrowing from more sharks to settle other loan sharks. This means they’re forced to pay outrageous interest across different platforms. No doubt, this can quickly eat into your personal finances, causing you sadness and depression.

So you see, nothing good ever comes out of these loan sharks. Instead, if you need money to solve a problem, approach family and friends for help. Or contact legitimate borrowers to avoid falling into the unending cycle of facing embarrassment from loan sharks.

Let’s face the fact—there’s a worrying increase in crime in Lagos. Yes, the city is the commercial hub of the country, so it attracts many people from different parts of the country.

Unfortunately, this has caused the city to become overpopulated, and with overpopulation comes an increase in crime. In recent times, there has been an increase in complaints about violent crimes like extortion, rape, kidnapping, carjacking, and armed robbery.

In fact, armed robbers go as far as targeting passengers in vehicles in an attempt to grab their possessions and run away with them. This has caused Lagosians to be weary of where they go or pass when walking alone.

But what happens if you’re new in Lagos and don’t have the needed orientation to navigate Lagos streets? Well, here are dangerous hotspots you should be careful of or totally avoid, especially when walking at night.

ALSO READ: Lagos Police deny claims of high crime rate, assure the public of strong security

Ikeja under bridge

The sheer number of people walking around this area makes it a soft target for pickpockets and armed robbers, especially at night.

These criminals typically deploy different tactics to distract and dispossess their victims. So, instead of thinking you can outsmart them, it is often better to avoid this location.

Oshodi under bridge

Here’s another hotspot for criminals whose job description is to stay on the tail of their victims until they’re able to dispossess them of their possessions.

ALSO READ: Lagos residents demand functional street lights on Ikorodu Road to curb crime

---

Join Our WhatsApp Group

Don’t miss out on any real-time information. Join our WhatsApp group to stay updated.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN

---

These criminals are often armed with knives, guns, and different types of weapons. Security agents usually warn residents to be extra vigilant while passing through this area and to avoid it entirely at night.

Ojodu-Berger

This area has suddenly grown to become one of the most dreadful areas in Lagos. Criminals pretend to be regular commuters here until they spot something valuable with you. In fact, there was a recent report of a woman whose bag was snatched at gunpoint.

Her bag contained a considerable sum of money belonging to her boss. She was lucky to recover her belongings, but you may not be fortunate. So it’s better to avoid the area altogether at night.

Shomolu-Bariga

Every Lagos OG knows these two spots. They’re known to have the highest number of street urchins in the state, and we often hear stories of residents being robbed on their way to or from work.

In fact, it’s so bad that there are sometimes cases of daylight robbery while people go about their business unconcerned. So unless you’re a trained martial artist, please avoid this area or walk in groups.

Mile 2

Talk about traffic robberies to anybody in Lagos, and they’ll likely mention Mile 2. This place is popular for this kind of crime. Armed criminals often capitalise on the traffic gridlock that this place has become accustomed to rob unsuspecting passengers. They even go as far as smashing side windows to gain access to car passengers.

ALSO READ: Ghost ships of Lagos, a haven of crime

We know you can’t be too careful when avoiding crime in Lagos, but you can’t throw caution in the wind, either. Avoid these places at night, especially if you’re walking or driving alone, to avoid encountering street criminals.

A Boston University study found that women who use hair relaxers more than twice a year or for over five years have a 50% increased risk of uterine cancer.

Black women often have thick, textured hair, and many turn to hair relaxers for a sleek, smooth, and soft look. However, research now shows that these chemical products pose serious health risks, including an increased chance of developing hormone-related cancers.

ALSO READ: Meet the man with the longest hair in the world

Dr. Onyinye D. Balogun, a radiation oncologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, cautions:

These straighteners have already been implicated in breast cancer, ovarian cancer — and now in uterine cancer. Even though more evidence is needed, we need to sit up and pay close attention.

The Harmful Chemicals in Hair Relaxers

Relaxers contain harsh chemicals that break down the natural structure of curly hair to make it straight. Some of the most concerning ingredients include:

• Formaldehyde – A known carcinogen also used to preserve dead bodies.

• Phthalates, Parabens, and Bisphenol A (BPA) – Chemicals that can disrupt hormones and increase the risk of cancers.

• Lye (Sodium Hydroxide) – A strong alkaline substance that can cause scalp burns and permanent hair loss.

READ MORE: The most expensive primary school in Nigeria where they pay ₦30m for tuition

When applied to the scalp, these chemicals can be absorbed into the bloodstream, disrupting the body’s natural hormonal balance and increasing cancer risk.

Between 2017 and 2022, Nigeria was one of the leading countries for relaxer sales growth, according to Euromonitor and millions of women continue to use these chemical treatments despite the growing health concerns.

If you currently use relaxers, consider reducing the frequency or stopping altogether. Try:

• Protective Styles: like Braids, Twists, Locs, Wigs and weaves.

• Silk Press: Use a blow dryer and flat iron to straighten natural hair without chemicals. When done correctly, it gives a sleek, relaxed look but reverts back after washing. To prevent heat damage, always use a heat protectant.

• Keep Your Natural Hair: Instead of using relaxers, try deep-conditioning treatments and hair masks to soften and define your natural curls.

• Texturizers (Mild Chemical Alternatives): Texturizers loosen curl patterns rather than straightening hair completely. While they still contain chemicals, they are less harsh than traditional relaxers. However, they should still be used with caution.

• Heat-Free Stretching Methods: If you prefer a straighter look but want to avoid heat damage, try African threading, Twist-outs and braid-outs.

READ MORE: This is why Celestians walk barefoot to church

---

Join Our WhatsApp Group

Don’t miss out on any real-time information. Join our WhatsApp group to stay updated.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN

---