By CHARITY NWOSU

Victims of “one chance” robberies in Dei-Dei and Kubwa communities in the FCT have called for stronger security measures to curb the growing menace and improve public safety.

They spoke in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

One chance is a popular term used to describe a robbery or kidnap scam where unsuspecting commuters board vehicles run by criminal gangs who rob, beat, or strip them of their money and phones.

The victims described the growing menace as a major threat to residents and commuters.

Mrs Blessing Umeh, a civil servant in Kubwa, said she was robbed after boarding a commercial vehicle she believed was heading to her destination.

“I boarded the vehicle in the evening, thinking it was a normal commercial bus. Minutes later, the occupants threatened me and stole my phone, cash and ATM card.

“They forced me to reveal my PIN, emptied my account and abandoned me in a lonely area. The ordeal was deeply traumatic and unforgettable,” she said.

Mr Emeka Okeke, another victim in Dei-Dei, said he was attacked while returning from work.

“I lost my phone, laptop and other valuables. Since then, I have been afraid of boarding commercial vehicles, especially at night.

“The government should increase security patrols and ensure those behind these crimes are arrested and prosecuted,” he said.

Miss Aisha Ibrahim said she narrowly escaped after becoming suspicious of the behaviour of other passengers.

“I quickly asked to stop and get down before the vehicle moved far. Many people have not been so lucky.

“There should be more security checkpoints and proper monitoring of commercial vehicles to protect commuters,” she said.

Some residents said the increasing cases of one-chance robbery had created fear among commuters, forcing many to avoid travelling at night.

A community leader in Dei-Dei, Mr Usman Sani, appealed to residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious vehicles or activities to security agencies.

According to him, sustained public awareness campaigns would help residents recognise the tactics commonly used by one-chance operators.

He urged the authorities to deploy more security personnel to vulnerable locations and improve emergency response to distress calls.

Mr Ikenna Ohia, a commercial driver, called for stricter monitoring and registration of commercial vehicles to prevent criminals from disguising as transport operators.

According to him, proper identification of commercial drivers would enable passengers to distinguish genuine operators from criminals.

Some residents also advised commuters to remain vigilant, avoid boarding isolated vehicles and share their travel details with relatives whenever possible.

They urged the FCT Administration, security agencies and transport unions to boost patrols, strengthen intelligence, raise public awareness and enforce stricter measures against criminal activities.

The respondents expressed optimism that coordinated efforts by the government, security agencies, transport unions and residents would significantly reduce one-chance incidents and make FCT communities safer for all.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Ahmed Sanusi, has charged Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and Area Commanders in the territory to end robbery and other security threats.

The commissioner, In several meetings with the DPOs, directed officers to review the prevailing security situation and strengthen operational strategies across the command.

The FCT Police Command urged residents to continue supporting security operations by providing timely and credible information to the nearest police division or through the command’s emergency line — 08023009319 (NAN)