Abuja one-chance attacks : Abuja residents and legal and health-care communities have been plunged into fear and mourning following the discovery of two lifeless bodies believed to be victims of suspected “one-chance” robbery attacks within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The incidents occurred within days of one another and have reignited concerns over commuter safety and the resurgence of mobile violent crimes in the capital.
On January 3, 2026, Chinemerem Pascalina Chuwumeziem, a nurse with the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, was reported missing after completing her afternoon shift and boarding a commercial vehicle on her way home. Her body was subsequently found abandoned by the roadside in circumstances that remain under investigation. The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), FCT Council condemned the killing, describing it as an attack on healthcare workers and humanity.
Shortly thereafter, on January 6, 2026, the body of **Princess Ochigbo (also referred to in some reports as Princess Chigbo Mediatrix), a prominent Abuja-based lawyer and former Treasurer of the Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja Branch, was discovered along the Kubwa Expressway near Dawaki, opposite Gwarimpa Estate.
Documents recovered from the scene, including personal belongings and identity card, were found a short distance from her body, prompting strong suspicion that she too may have fallen victim to suspected “one-chance” operatives criminals who target unsuspecting commuters by disguising their vehicles as legitimate transport. (Naija News)
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has confirmed that investigations are ongoing into both deaths, with detectives working to unravel the facts and bring the perpetrators to justice. Police spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh assured the public that inquiries are active and more information will be provided as the cases progress.
What Are ‘One-Chance’ Attacks?
The term “one-chance” refers to a modus operandi in which criminals operate under the guise of commercial drivers, pick up unsuspecting passengers, and then attack, rob, or abandon victims in isolated locations. This pattern has been documented in Abuja and other major Nigerian cities over several years, with multiple reports of passengers being robbed, assaulted, or worse after boarding such vehicles.
In past incidents, law enforcement has on several occasions arrested suspected “one-chance” robbers linked to violent robberies and attempted kidnappings in the FCT, indicating the persistence of the phenomenon despite periodic crackdowns. In October 2025, four suspects were apprehended in Dape Village after a reported attempted kidnapping and robbery involving one-chance tactics.
The successive deaths have prompted public outcry from residents and civil groups. The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has denounced the rising toll of “one-chance” attacks, decrying gaps in leadership and strategy in addressing violent crime in the capital. Calls have intensified for enhanced security measures at bus stops, major transit points and enforcement of anti-crime units to safeguard commuters, particularly health-care workers and other frontline professionals.
A civil servant, Ismail Umar, lamented the lack of timely official communication, stressing that in a stable society authorities would lead thorough investigations while keeping the public informed. Another resident urged the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, to prioritize comprehensive security interventions to curb the menace. Abuja one-chance attacks
Security Responses Underway
In response to the killings, the FCT Police Command has reportedly deployed joint patrol teams at strategic locations across the city, with additional checks on unpainted and suspicious vehicles conveying passengers. Officials repeatedly urge commuters to exercise vigilance, report suspected vehicles, and cooperate with security agencies as investigations continue.
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