One party night in Lagos almost cost me my life

It was just a normal Friday night. I was in my room in Lekki, lying on my bed and scrolling through TikTok, laughing at random videos. My name is Ada, by the way. Work had been stressful that week, so I just wanted to chill and rest.
Then my best friend Temi burst into my room like a whirlwind.
“Babe! There’s this rooftop party in VI tonight. The music is going to be crazy, free drinks for ladies, and plenty of cute guys. You have to come with me!”
I shook my head straight away. “Temi, no. I’m tired. I don’t feel like going out.”
But you know how Temi is — she can talk anybody into anything. She begged, she pleaded, she even started showing me videos from previous parties at the same place. After almost thirty minutes of her disturbing my peace, I finally gave in. “Okay fine, but we’re not staying too late.”
We got dressed up, took some cute pictures, and headed out. Honestly, the party was actually fun. The Afrobeats were hitting, the lights were nice, and we danced like nobody was watching. I even had a couple of drinks and laughed properly for the first time in a while. For a moment, I was glad I let Temi drag me out.
But around 2 a.m., Temi got a call from her boyfriend. He was outside waiting for her, so she had to leave. “Sorry babe, text me when you get home,” she said and hugged me before rushing off.
I told her I’d be fine. I thought I could just book a Bolt and head home. But instead of waiting at the club, I decided to walk a bit first to clear my head. Big mistake.
The street was quieter than I expected. A lot of the streetlights weren’t working, and there were barely any cars passing. I was walking and trying to book a ride on my phone when I noticed him.
A tall guy dressed completely in black — black hoodie, black trousers, and a black mask covering his face. At first I thought maybe he was just going the same way, but when I crossed the road, he crossed too. My heart started beating fast. I walked quicker. He walked quicker.
Then I started running.
He chased me.
My legs were burning as I sprinted down that lonely street. I could hear his footsteps getting closer. I was so scared I thought my heart would explode. In the middle of running, I remembered my phone. With shaking hands, I called Temi.
“Temi! Someone is chasing me!” I screamed. “Near Bourdillon! Please help me!”
I kept running until I saw two guys at a junction — an okada rider and a night security man standing outside a closed shop. I screamed at the top of my voice, “Help! He’s chasing me!”
Thank God they reacted fast. The okada man jumped on his bike and rode towards me, while the security guy started shouting and running with his baton. The masked man saw them and quickly turned back, disappearing into the dark between the buildings.
I collapsed on the ground, shaking and crying. The two men stayed with me until Temi and her boyfriend arrived. Temi had already called the police, and a patrol car showed up shortly after.
That night shook me badly. I was lucky — really lucky. From that day, I learned never to walk alone at night, no matter how close I think I am to home. I also started telling my other girlfriends to always have a plan when going out. Fun is good, but safety is more important.
Temi felt so guilty and kept apologizing. Our friendship actually became stronger after what happened. And me? I still go out once in a while, but now I’m much more careful. I always make sure I leave with someone or get a ride straight from the venue.
Be safe out there, girls. This Lagos no be joke.