In the span of just two weeks into the New Year, our communities have been shaken by the tragic murders of two young women, both victims of what seemed to be romantic encounters gone awry.

These incidents have not only left families shattered but have also ignited a fervent debate on social media regarding responsibility and blame.

It is essential to emphasize from the outset that there is absolutely no excuse for such heinous crimes, and those responsible must be brought to justice.

However, amid the discussions surrounding culpability, there is a critical need for a broader conversation about personal safety.

While it is true that we demand the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all citizens, we must recognize that we live in a world where criminals still roam our streets.

The unfortunate reality is that individuals with malicious intent exist, and it is our responsibility to prioritize our own security, especially in an era dominated by casual online dating and social media connections.

The misplaced debate over the victims’ actions should not overshadow the urgency of addressing the larger issue at hand. Rather than assigning blame to the victims, it is time to collectively take control of our own security.

This means being vigilant and proactive when interacting with strangers, whether in person or online.

As a society, we need to cultivate a culture of self-awareness and personal responsibility.

This involves being cautious, setting boundaries, and utilizing available resources to verify the backgrounds of individuals we engage with romantically or socially.

As we await the results of ongoing investigations into these tragic incidents, our hope is not only for justice to prevail but also that we can prevent future tragedies and ensure that no more young lives are lost in such senseless circumstances.

Copy by Fred Indimuli- host Morning Cafe show