Panic Grips Abuja as ‘One-Chance’ Syndicates Unleash Fear and Death

Tension is escalating within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, as the resurgence of the notorious ‘one-chance’ criminal syndicates continues to instill fear among residents.

LMSINT MEDIA reports that incidents of ‘one-chance’ abductions—where unsuspecting commuters are attacked after boarding criminal-operated taxis—are becoming alarmingly frequent. This disturbing trend poses a persistent security challenge that remains difficult to tackle within the capital city.

Earlier in May, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike raised serious concerns over Abuja’s intricate security complexities. He emphasized the necessity for a well-coordinated national security strategy to manage the capital’s safety concerns effectively.

While defending the FCT’s N1.78 trillion budget, the Minister highlighted that Abuja’s unique status—hosting the Presidency, National Assembly, and several foreign diplomatic missions—prevents it from being administered autonomously like other states.

“You can’t talk about autonomy where the President, Inspector-General of Police, National Security Adviser, and corporate leaders reside. Securing this city isn’t a task we can handle in isolation,” Wike asserted.

LMSINT MEDIA investigations reveal that victims who courageously report these crimes often face a traumatic aftermath compounded by an inefficient justice system. They’re left grappling with emotional scars while navigating a system that seems to demand more from them than the perpetrators ever did.

Tragically, within just one week, three women have reportedly lost their lives across different locations in Abuja, all believed to be victims of ‘one-chance’ attacks.

Among the most recent cases, LMSINT MEDIA reports that Grace Godwin, a 23-year-old petrol station attendant, was discovered dead on July 12 around 7:21 am in the Jabi area, allegedly thrown from a moving ‘one-chance’ vehicle.

Security expert Zagazola Makama confirmed that Grace’s death involved abduction and potential murder. According to Makama, officers from the Jabi Police Division quickly responded and transported her to the National Hospital, where doctors declared her dead upon arrival.

Before this tragedy, there was widespread outrage following the death of Freda Arnong, a Ghanaian High Commission staffer in Nigeria, who was another victim of the ‘one-chance’ menace.

LMSINT MEDIA gathered that Freda Arnong had boarded a commercial taxi at Transcorp Junction but was instead driven towards the Lugbe-Airport Road, where she was assaulted and forcefully ejected from the moving vehicle.

Her brother narrated that she was later found and taken to the National Hospital, Abuja, where she unfortunately passed away from her injuries.

While Abuja residents were still mourning Freda’s untimely death, the National Hospital issued a public notice appealing for help in identifying an unconscious female patient currently receiving intensive care at their Trauma ICU.

According to the hospital’s statement released on July 11, 2025, the woman was found on July 8 around 10:30 PM along the Kubwa–Deidei Road, unconscious.

They urged the public to come forward with any identifying information:

“A woman was found unconscious along Kubwa–Deidei Road around 10:30 PM on July 8, 2025, and rushed to the Trauma Centre, National Hospital, Abuja. She remains unidentified. If you recognize her or have any helpful information, please come forward immediately. Share widely to help reunite her with her family.”

Additionally, a female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Miss Ruth Isaiku, serving at the National Assembly, was also attacked after boarding a ‘one-chance’ taxi.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that a Good Samaritan from Army Housing Estate, Kurudu, discovered Miss Isaiku near Habiba Plaza, Maitama, and alerted authorities.

Miss Isaiku had boarded a taxi from the Kubwa axis heading towards Keffi, Nasarawa State, but was assaulted and robbed of an undisclosed amount before being thrown from the vehicle. She was promptly taken to Maitama District Hospital, where she received medical attention and was confirmed to be in stable condition.

Security agencies continue to warn Abuja residents to exercise heightened vigilance when boarding taxis and to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station.

When speaking to LMSINT MEDIA, several FCT residents expressed deep concerns over their personal safety within the capital.

Mike Divine, a local teacher, pointed out that women seem to be the primary targets of these violent criminals. He lamented:

“This horrifying trend has persisted unchecked despite the heavy security presence in the FCT. Sometimes, I wonder—what exactly are these security operatives doing?”

Similarly, Ogbonna Joel recounted his cousin’s tragic encounter with ‘one-chance’ robbers:

“The death of this promising young woman is heartbreaking. It brings back painful memories of my cousin, who was murdered by ‘one-chance’ criminals last year in March. Her family, just like ours, must now be grappling with loss and confusion.”

Emeka Chukwudi echoed these sentiments, criticizing the apparent normalization of such violence in Abuja:

“It’s tragic and appalling. Are the police even acknowledging these frequent attacks on women here? Is the mainstream media covering this adequately? Clearly, women in Abuja are unsafe.”

Peter Echo also decried the recurring attacks, urging law enforcement and intelligence agencies like the DSS to collaborate and dismantle the killer syndicates.

“This is heart-wrenching. The police and DSS must work together to eradicate these deadly ‘one-chance’ gangs. The House of Representatives should legislate life imprisonment for anyone convicted of such crimes. In fact, a Reps member recently lost an aide to these criminals—this should propel the National Assembly to act decisively against this evil.”

When LMSINT MEDIA reached out to the spokesperson of the FCT Police Command, Josephine Adeh, her frustration was palpable:

“I’m tired of fielding the same question over and over about the ‘one-chance’ incidents. We are actively searching for solutions. If you have any ideas, feel free to share so we can address this menace effectively.”