Fear has gripped residents of Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, as a disturbing wave of violent “one-chance” robberies continues to claim lives and sow panic, especially among women.
Recent reports confirm that incidents involving “one-chance” criminal syndicates gangs who pose as commercial taxi drivers to rob and assault unsuspecting passengers — are on the rise, exposing a persistent security loophole in the nation’s seat of power.
In May, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, acknowledged the complex nature of security challenges in Abuja, calling for a coordinated national strategy. While defending the FCT’s ₦1.78 trillion budget, he stressed that Abuja cannot function like other states due to its strategic significance as host to the Presidency, the National Assembly, and foreign missions.
“You cannot talk about autonomy in a city where the President resides, where the Inspector-General of Police, the National Security Adviser, and every corporate head of the country operate from. The security of this city is not something we can handle alone,” Wike said.
Despite this, victims of these attacks often find themselves left to navigate not just trauma, but also a system that offers little support or accountability.
In just one week, three young women were confirmed dead in separate parts of Abuja — all believed to be victims of “one-chance” attacks.On Saturday, July 12, 23-year-old petrol attendant, Grace Godwin, was found unconscious near Jabi after allegedly being thrown from a “one-chance” vehicle. S
he was rushed to the National Hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Security expert Zagazola Makama described her death as a likely case of abduction and murder.
Not long before, another tragedy struck. Miss Freda Arnong, a staff member at the Ghanaian High Commission in Nigeria, died after being brutally attacked and dumped along the Lugbe-Airport Road. Her brother revealed she had boarded a taxi from Transcorp Junction, only to be diverted and assaulted. She was later rescued but succumbed to her injuries at the National Hospital.
As residents reeled from the loss, the same hospital issued a plea to help identify another female victim found unconscious on July 8 along Kubwa–Deidei Road. She remains in critical care in the trauma ICU,
Another survivor, Miss Ruth Isaiku, a National Youth Service Corps member serving at the National Assembly, was also recently attacked after boarding a taxi in Abuja. She was robbed and dumped near Habiba Plaza, Maitama, before being rescued and treated at Maitama District Hospital.
Thankfully, she is recovering and in stable condition.Public Outcry Grows LouderThe repeated incidents have stirred anger and fear among residents. Many now question the effectiveness of security personnel across the FCT.
Mike Divine, a teacher, noted,
“These criminals are becoming bolder, and women seem to be their primary targets. What are all the security operatives in the FCT really doing?”Ogbonna Joel, whose cousin was a victim of a similar attack, expressed his pain:
“This brings back the memory of my cousin killed in March last year. Just like us, her family will be searching endlessly.
”Others like Emeka Chukwudi condemned the growing normalization of these assaults, particularly against women: “This is terrible. ”Peter Echo called for stronger collaboration between security agencies: “This is heartbreaking. The police and DSS must work together to crush these killer gangs.
”There are now renewed calls for legislative action. “The House of Representatives should pass a law imposing life imprisonment on anyone convicted of this evil crime,” one resident said, pointing out that even a lawmaker recently lost an aide to “one-chance” attackers.
Police Frustration and Plea When contacted, the FCT Police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, voiced her frustration:“I am tired of answering questions on this ‘one-chance’ incident. We are looking for solutions. If you have any, bring it forth so we can solve this problem,” she stated.
As fear continues to spread, Abuja residents are left demanding more than condolences they want firm action to restore their safety and protect the lives of citizens, especially women who remain the most vulnerable targets of these deadly criminal syndicates.
