A cautionary tale.

Just when you start to feel complacent and comfortable here in Lagos, you hear a story to remind you to be cautious and follow security precautions (not that I ever don't, but extra vigilance is always a good idea):

At approximately 06.25 this morning (15 Nov 11) a Toyota Prado 4x4 car conveying an expatriate to the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos was forced to stop by an armed gang. The gang of 7 armed men were in two vehicles, which they used to block the car at the front and at the rear. They fired a number of warning shots to scare away bystanders and to intimidate the driver and passenger. During this indiscriminate firing one passer-by was allegedly shot. The gang then forced the driver and passenger from the vehicle before driving it away.

Points to note:

• The attack was planned and coordinated in order to steal the vehicle

• The expatriate was being moved during the hours of darkness without an armed escort

• A second similar attack, which may be linked to this incident, occurred shortly after this attack (possibly the same gang). Currently no details available

• Incidents similar to this are likely to increase in the run up to Christmas

To help prevent such attacks, we always have a security escort to and from the airport and we aim to get to the airport well before dark—this often means you are there three to five hours early, but it's worth it.

Please pray for safe travels and God's speed for all our friends and colleagues traveling to and from Lagos this holiday season.