“Wire ₦200k now before we leave you. If not, na Kaduna we go carry you go like this.”
That was the chilling voice on the phone as Precious Joseph, a businesswoman in her thirties, sat trapped in the backseat of a car she believed would take her to Garki. Instead, it became the beginning of a nightmare.
By the time she realized what was happening, it was already too late. This wasn’t just a robbery. It was a coordinated abduction. A seven-hour horror story that left her bruised, robbed, humiliated, and abandoned in a bush near the Abuja–Kaduna expressway.
She is just one of many.
Abuja: The Capital City’s Silent Terror
For years, residents of Nigeria’s capital have lived with the fear of one-chance. It refers to organized criminal gangs who disguise themselves as taxi drivers and passengers, only to rob or abduct people once they are inside the vehicle.
The setup is disturbingly simple:
- Use a regular-looking car with both men and women inside
- Target people who are alone or appear distracted
- Lock the car doors, cut off any escape
- And attack
From Gwarimpa to Wuse, Lugbe to Jabi, and Area 1 to the Central District, stories of one-chance are everywhere. Sadly, more people are no longer just hearing the stories — they are becoming part of them.
A Ride to Nowhere
Precious’s story shows how advanced and manipulative these gangs have become. After she was slapped and threatened, the attackers forced her to transfer money from her different bank accounts into one, giving them access to everything.
They mocked her as they withdrew money. Then used her phone to call her fiancé, demanding ₦200,000 or threatening to take her out of town.
Once the money was transferred, they dropped her off in the middle of nowhere. She walked for hours until she found help.
The Trauma Doesn’t End When the Ride Does
For many victims, the horror doesn’t stop with the robbery. It continues in their minds and bodies. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, fear, and deep distrust of people are now part of daily life.
Mary Akwu was another victim. After being attacked on Gwarimpa expressway, she went to the police. Officers bounced her between stations and asked her to pay for the investigation, even though her money had already been stolen.
₦530,000 was wiped from her account, most of which belonged to her church group. Her valuables were never recovered. She still hasn’t received justice.
The Traps Are Evolving
Recently, Habib Yakoob, spokesperson for the University of Abuja, described a new tactic criminals now use. A colleague of his boarded what looked like a normal vehicle with sleeping passengers and others joining slowly along the route. By the time the car filled up, it was too late.
Every person in the car except for two victims was part of the gang. The robbery happened smoothly, with weapons drawn, valuables taken, and victims tossed out like trash.
No screaming. No chance to run.
Why This Crime Persists
Security experts agree: the roots of this crime run deep.
- Public transportation in Abuja is inadequate
- Law enforcement responses are slow and underfunded
- Digital systems like BVN and NIN are not integrated for tracking
- Criminals exploit the lack of coordination between agencies
Kabir Adamu, a security expert, noted that government agencies often fail to work together, despite having tools that could stop these crimes. He said Nigeria’s cybersecurity capabilities remain weak because agencies operate in silos.
What Residents Are Doing Instead
In a city where it is risky to take a roadside taxi, many residents now turn to ride-hailing apps like Bolt or Uber. While not perfect, these apps are seen as a safer alternative.
“Ride-hailing apps are not completely safe, but I’d rather deal with high prices than risk my life,” said Mardiya Umar, another survivor of one-chance criminals.
What Needs To Change
- Provide safe and affordable public transportation
- Integrate national databases for real-time vehicle tracking
- Reform the police and remove illegal investigation charges
- Install CCTV systems across major transportation routes
- Create stronger collaboration between law enforcement and digital regulators
The Fear Remains
Despite police claims that one-chance attacks are decreasing, the experiences of victims say otherwise. For every crime reported, there are dozens more that go unspoken.
The scars these victims carry are not just financial. They are emotional and mental, and they last long after the bruises fade.
Until there is a serious, coordinated, and tech-driven effort to fight these crimes, the streets of Abuja will remain dangerous for anyone simply trying to get home.
If you live in Abuja, stay alert. Use trusted transport options. Trust your instincts. And when in doubt, don’t get in.
Sometimes, the most dangerous part of your day starts with an ordinary ride.
If you’ve experienced a one-chance attack, speak out. Raise awareness. Share this post. Change starts with truth.
