Odita Sunday 
Recently, in the Ekpan area of Warri, Delta State, a man reportedly confronted two armed robbers who invaded his house at night. The robbers attacked him, apparently expecting business as usual, but the man summoned the courage to fight back.
His target was the one carrying the gun. He engaged him, disarmed and subdued him, thereby disrupting their operation. Although the second robber reportedly struck him on the head with an object, causing injury, the man’s bravery ultimately thwarted the robbery.
This reminds me of similar incidents I encountered while serving in Ogun State.
Some years ago, in Ifo, a woman confronted an armed robber who invaded her home. She struck him below the belt, you gerrit? and the robber reportedly dropped his gun and fled.
There was also an incident at Lafenwa Market in Abeokuta, where armed men invaded a popular cold room owned by a well-known woman in the area. Those who lived in Abeokuta at the time may remember the incident. The woman and others resisted the attackers and dislodged them before the police arrived in response to the distress call.
I was the PPRO, Ogun State, at the time, and I addressed the media on these incidents.
What do these incidents tell us?
Courage matters.
There are times when courage, determination and the will to resist criminality can make a difference in saving lives and protecting property. The examples of these brave women and the recent incident in Ekpan remind us that criminals do not always have the advantage simply because they are armed.
If women could do it, perhaps we men should not be found wanting. After all, what a woman can do, a man can do better!
Could it be that the man in Ekpan goes to the gym? Maybe na time for me to hit the gym too. After all, that one na unarmed combat training.
But beyond the humour, there is a serious lesson here: we must build safer and more resilient communities where citizens remain alert, courageous and willing to support lawful efforts against criminality.
Of course, confronting armed criminals is extremely dangerous, and no one should recklessly put their life at risk. Where possible, the safest option is to seek cover, raise an alarm and alert the police.
From Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti to Efunsetan Aniwura and the countless unnamed men and women who have demonstrated extraordinary courage, perhaps that spirit is still very much alive among us.
And with that spirit, alongside effective policing and community cooperation, we can collectively confront the criminals who trouble our communities.
My commendation to the brave man in Ekpan.
And to the rest of us…
Make we hit the gym.
Ire o!
Omooba Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.
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