The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has issued a strong call to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to urgently halt the rising spate of killings, kidnappings, and robberies linked to the notorious “one chance” criminal syndicates operating within Abuja and its surrounding satellite towns.
In a statement released on Monday, the NBA expressed deep concern over what it described as a disturbing resurgence of violent crimes in the nation’s capital, warning that continued insecurity threatens residents’ safety, undermines confidence in governance, and erodes the rule of law.
Growing Fear in the Nation’s Capital
The “one chance” phenomenon — a form of organized crime in which unsuspecting passengers are lured into taxis or buses only to be robbed, abducted, assaulted, or killed — has long plagued Abuja. However, recent weeks have seen a renewed wave of deadly attacks, sparking widespread fear among residents.
Several victims and eyewitnesses have reported incidents occurring in broad daylight and in areas previously considered relatively safe, including major highways, residential districts, and commercial hubs. The crimes have reportedly resulted in multiple deaths, with some victims dumped along roadsides or left critically injured after being dispossessed of their belongings.
The NBA described the situation as “alarming and unacceptable”, stating that Abuja should not be allowed to descend into a zone of fear where citizens are unsafe using public transportation or commuting to work.
NBA Demands Immediate Action
According to the association, the federal capital deserves the highest standard of security, given its status as the seat of government and a symbol of national unity.
“The Federal Capital Territory must not become a haven for criminal gangs operating with impunity,” the NBA said. “The right to life and personal security is guaranteed under the Constitution, and it is the responsibility of government to ensure these rights are protected.”
The NBA specifically urged Minister Wike to deploy decisive security measures, strengthen coordination among security agencies, and ensure that criminals responsible for the attacks are identified, arrested, and prosecuted without delay.
Call for Intelligence-Driven Policing
Beyond increased patrols, the NBA emphasized the need for intelligence-driven and technology-backed policing to dismantle the criminal networks behind “one chance” operations.
The association noted that these crimes are often well-organized, involving multiple actors, stolen or cloned vehicles, and insider knowledge of traffic patterns and commuter habits. It warned that without proactive intelligence gathering and surveillance, routine patrols alone may not be sufficient.
The NBA called for:
- Enhanced use of CCTV cameras across major roads and flashpoints
- Improved vehicle tracking and identification systems
- Better coordination between the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, and other security agencies
- Swift prosecution of suspects to serve as a deterrent
Protection of Vulnerable Commuters
The association highlighted that women, students, low-income workers, and visitors are often the most vulnerable victims of “one chance” attacks, as they rely heavily on public transportation.
Reports of victims being drugged, sexually assaulted, or killed after resisting their attackers have intensified public outrage and calls for government intervention.
The NBA stressed that Abuja residents should not have to choose between mobility and safety, adding that a functional capital city must guarantee secure transportation systems.
Wike’s Role as FCT Minister
Since assuming office, Nyesom Wike has been vocal about restoring order in Abuja, particularly in areas of urban planning, infrastructure, and sanitation. However, the NBA insisted that security must take priority, especially as insecurity poses a direct threat to lives and economic activities.
The association urged the minister to:
- Hold security agencies accountable for lapses
- Ensure regular security briefings focused on crime trends
- Engage community leaders and transport unions to identify suspicious activities
“The safety of Abuja residents should not be reactive,” the NBA said. “It must be proactive, sustained, and visible.”
Rule of Law and Public Confidence
The NBA warned that continued “one chance” killings risk undermining public trust in law enforcement and governance. When crimes go unpunished, it said, citizens lose confidence in the justice system and may resort to self-help, which could further destabilize the city.
Lawyers across the FCT have also reportedly expressed concern that the fear of commuting late or using certain routes is affecting court attendance, legal practice, and access to justice.
The association reiterated that security is foundational to the rule of law, stressing that without safety, constitutional rights become meaningless.
Public Reaction and Outcry
The NBA’s call echoes growing public anger and anxiety across Abuja. Residents have increasingly taken to social media and community platforms to share safety tips, warn others about suspicious vehicles, and demand government action.
Civil society groups and residents’ associations have also joined calls for:
- Clear identification of registered taxis and ride-hailing vehicles
- Crackdown on unregistered commercial transport operators
- Emergency hotlines that respond promptly to distress calls
Many residents argue that the persistence of “one chance” crimes suggests systemic gaps in security enforcement, despite Abuja’s strategic importance.
A National Image at Stake
The NBA further warned that insecurity in the nation’s capital sends a negative signal internationally, particularly to diplomats, investors, and tourists.
“Abuja represents Nigeria to the world,” the association stated. “Allowing criminal gangs to terrorize residents and visitors damages the country’s image and economic prospects.”
The association stressed that tackling the menace decisively would demonstrate government seriousness in addressing security challenges nationwide.
Demand for Accountability
In its concluding remarks, the NBA urged the FCT Administration to publicly outline concrete steps being taken to combat the “one chance” menace and to provide regular updates to residents.
It also called on security agencies to ensure transparency in investigations and avoid situations where arrested suspects quietly disappear from the system without prosecution.
“The lives already lost must not be in vain,” the NBA said. “Justice must be visible, swift, and uncompromising.”
Conclusion
The renewed call by the Nigerian Bar Association places fresh pressure on FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and security agencies to act decisively against the resurgence of “one chance” killings in Abuja.
As fear spreads among residents and public confidence wanes, many believe that only firm leadership, coordinated security action, and strict enforcement of the law can restore safety in the nation’s capital.
For Abuja residents, the message is clear: security is not a privilege but a constitutional right — and the time to protect it is now.
