He Promised Me Work In Lagos, Na Trap I Enter (EPISODE 20)

EPISODE 20 – Lagos Girls Don See This Film

One afternoon, while I was stepping out to buy something small, I met Blessing, a neighbour from the same Agege street.

She looked around nervously before speaking.
“You new here, abi? I go advise you small if you wan hear,” she whispered, glancing at my room behind me.

I nodded, curiosity and caution warring inside me.

Blessing began her story. She was from Imo State. Moved to Lagos with dreams, like me. A man promised her a job, accommodation, and money. But it didn’t take long for her to see the truth: he wanted more than friendship, more than guidance.

Her voice shook slightly, but her eyes were fierce.
“Na so I dey trapped for two years. Food dey, money dey, but freedom no dey. Anything I try, na problem e be.”

I felt my chest tighten. Every word she said mirrored my life, almost exactly.

She continued, lowering her voice:
“Lagos girls don see this film before. Many of us dey silent. But if you no watch, e fit swallow you. Na the way Lagos dey do.”

I realized then I wasn’t alone. My shame, fear, and confusion were not unique. Others had walked this path, survived, and some had escaped.

For the first time, hope flickered.

Not the false hope of comfort he had given me, but the real hope that maybe, just maybe, I could plan my way out too.

But the warning hung heavy: Lagos could be kind and cruel at the same time. One misstep and the trap would tighten.

Episode 21 Coming Soon
Nkiru starts observing him quietly, noting his habits and moments of weakness. She begins forming a careful plan for escape, while keeping up appearances.