Residents of the Federal Capital Territory are gripped by fear as the dreaded “One Chance” criminal gangs continue their ruthless operations, abducting, robbing, and in many cases, killing innocent citizens, especially young women.
Leadership reports that these gangs operate with terrifying precision, disguising themselves as commercial taxi or bus drivers. They lure unsuspecting passengers into their vehicles, only to rob, assault, or even kill them.
These horrific incidents have sparked widespread anger and desperation.
Residents are now demanding immediate, concrete action before more lives are lost.
One of the most heart-wrenching recent cases was the abduction and murder of Grace Godwin. On Friday, July 11, she boarded a vehicle in Mabushi. Hours later, her family received a ransom demand. By the next morning, her body was discovered dumped near Iya Abubakar Street in Jabi.
The newspaper reported that likewise, Freda Arnong boarded a taxi near Transcorp Hilton on July 1. It was learnt that she was blindfolded, beaten, and tortured for hours before being left near the Moshood Abiola Stadium. Though rushed to the National Hospital, she succumbed to her injuries days later.
These are not isolated events. Daily reports of “One Chance” robberies and killings have left many residents questioning the security of a city meant to represent national governance and safety.
Now, fear rules the streets. Many residents avoid taxis entirely, especially after dark, turning instead to ride-hailing apps in a desperate bid for safety.
Vivian Okechukwu, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member in Dutse Alhaji, recounted her close escape: “I narrowly escaped ‘One Chance’ last month. The driver kept changing routes, and when I protested, the other passengers threatened me. I jumped out at a traffic light. Since then, I don’t enter any taxi unless it’s from a trusted driver.
Kubwa resident, Hajia Binta Yusuf, added: “My daughter takes taxis to school. Every day, I pray she returns safely. The government must protect us. If they can’t, then what is the purpose of leadership?”
Arnold Arnong, Freda’s brother, voiced this frustration in a viral Facebook post: “Nigeria’s broken public transportation system and weak security structure allow these crimes to flourish. With no proper regulation of commercial vehicles, no tracking systems, and no safe alternatives, Nigerians are forced to gamble with their lives daily.
“This is not just negligence. It’s complicity. Every time someone hails a cab or stands at a bus stop, they could become the next victim. Every delay in reform is a silent approval of this nightmare.”
He stressed that many victims never report their ordeal due to shame, trauma, or distrust in the system.
“The pain lasts long after the ride is over. Sometimes, it leaves permanent physical, emotional, or financial scars.”
