By: Erewunmi Peace

A new wave of terror has gripped Nigeria’s capital as criminal syndicates, widely known as “One Chance” gangs, continue to abduct, rob, and murder innocent passengers — especially women — using commercial taxis and minibuses as bait.

Shocking Incidents Raise Alarm Nationwide

In recent weeks, two tragic cases have shaken the nation:

Freda Arnong, a Ghanaian national working in Abuja, was abducted on July 1 near Transcorp Hilton Hotel. She was brutally tortured, dumped by the roadside, and later died from internal injuries.

Grace Godwin, a 23-year-old petrol station attendant, was kidnapped on July 11 in the Mabushi area. Her lifeless body was discovered the next day in Jabi, sparking outrage from her community.

These crimes follow a growing pattern of coordinated violence by fake taxi operators who lure passengers into vehicles, seize their belongings, demand ransom, and inflict unspeakable violence.

How the Gangs Operate

The criminals disguise themselves as legitimate transporters. Once victims enter the vehicle:

The doors are locked from inside.

Victims are beaten, stripped of valuables, and in many cases, sexually assaulted.

Sometimes victims are held hostage for hours and forced to give up ATM details or contact family for ransom.

Public Demands Urgent Action

Security experts and human rights organizations have condemned the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) authorities for failing to contain the threat. The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called for:

Surveillance cameras at major bus stops.

Registration and tracking of commercial vehicles.

A special police task force for FCT transit crimes.

Voices of Survivors

One NYSC member who narrowly escaped a similar attack shared:

“They looked like regular taxi drivers, but once I got in, everything changed. I was lucky to fight my way out before they got to a dark corner. Not everyone survives that.”

Safety Tips for Abuja Commuters

Residents are advised to:

Use verified ride-hailing services (Bolt, Uber, InDriver).

Avoid unmarked or non-commercial vehicles.

Travel in groups whenever possible.

Share live locations with trusted contacts.