Commuters in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Abuja, and its neighboring areas are living in fear due to the activities of "one-chance" robbers, who have been terrorizing the region. These criminals, often armed with dangerous weapons, including AK-47s, disguise themselves as both commercial vehicle drivers and passengers to carry out their nefarious acts.
Despite horrifying accounts from survivors, the residents of FCT, Nasarawa, Niger, and Kaduna continue to be victims of this disturbing trend on a daily basis. The assailants specialize in snatching valuables from unsuspecting passengers and are not hesitant to resort to violence, particularly when confronted by their victims.
These "one-chance robbers" typically use vehicles with a mix of foreign and local license plates to escape after committing their crimes. It is reported that this criminal syndicate is linked to the bandits and kidnappers causing chaos in FCT and its neighboring states.
The FCT Police Command has taken action to combat this menace, with the creation of an "Anti-One Chance Squad." In one operation, they impounded about ten vehicles suspected to be involved in these activities and arrested three suspects. The operation also led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, two magazines, and 35 rounds of live ammunition.
Despite these efforts, the one-chance incidents continue to occur, and many go unreported. Victims like Miss Anthonia Anebi have shared their harrowing experiences of being robbed and stripped of their belongings, including expensive cell phones and savings, often at gunpoint. The criminals also use ATM cards and POS machines to drain their victims' bank accounts.
The authorities are actively working to address this issue, with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, vowing to shut down illegal motor parks and take measures to improve security in the region. The joint security task force, comprising various law enforcement agencies, is also mobilized to tackle the problem. However, the residents remain concerned about their safety as they navigate the city.
