A true story of how unchecked emotion can rewrite your destiny
Just a few days ago at Mandilas, Lagos Island, tragedy struck not from cult violence or armed robbery, but from a moment of uncontrolled emotion. Two young hustlers—boys trying to earn a living by bringing customers to traders were given ₦8,000 to share. A simple commission. But instead of peace, it ended in bloodshed.
One of them, provoked by the dispute, pulled a knife. In a flash of anger, he stabbed the other. The victim bled out and died on the spot. Now, the boy who struck him will face the full weight of the law. His life, too, is shattered.
This heartbreaking incident reminded me of an encounter during my NYSC year in Gumel, Jigawa State. During one of our prison evangelism outreaches, I met a man from Oyo State. Curious, I asked what brought him so far north. His response was quiet, but devastating:
“I pushed someone out of provocation. He hit his head against a hard object and died.”
No weapon. No intention to kill. Just a push. But that single moment of rage cost him everything—his freedom, his future, his peace.
How many destinies have been buried over issues that could have been resolved with patience? How many lives have been lost over insults that could have been ignored?
“A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.” — Proverbs 29:11
“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.” — Ephesialns 4:26
“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.” — Proverbs 16:32
This is not just about Mandilas. It’s about you. About us. About every moment we feel provoked—by words, by money, by ego—and choose violence over wisdom.
The devil doesn’t need a gun to destroy a life. He only needs a second of rage.
Don’t let a moment of anger become your life sentence.
Don’t act and later regret—think before you act.
May God grant us the grace to master our emotions before they master and destroy us.