A cattle trader from Adamawa State narrowly escaped death after falling victim to notorious “one chance” criminals in Abuja’s Central Area.
In yet another alarming incident highlighting the persistent security challenges in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, a cattle trader identified as Alhaji Haruna Usman was rescued on Sunday morning, March 8, 2026, after being attacked by suspected “one chance” robbers.
The harrowing incident occurred along the road near Coscharis Motors in the Central Area of Abuja, leaving the victim traumatized and significantly poorer.
The Ordeal of a Businessman
Alhaji Usman, who hails from Adamawa State, was in Abuja on legitimate business when he became the latest victim of the criminal syndicate that has terrorized commuters across Nigerian cities for years.
According to his account, the cattle trader was coordinating the transportation of 36 cows via trailer from Adamawa to Bayelsa State when disaster struck. His journey began innocuously enough – he had boarded a small vehicle from Jambutu in Adamawa to Zuba, and around 7:30 a.m., he took another vehicle heading to Maraba, from where he planned to continue his journey to Bayelsa.
Trusting the seemingly normal commercial vehicle, Usman took the front seat while three other passengers occupied the back. Little did he know that his fellow passengers were actually hardened criminals.
The Attack
Without warning, the occupants of the vehicle suddenly turned on the unsuspecting businessman. In a coordinated attack, they snatched his mobile phone and cash totaling approximately N350,000 – a substantial sum representing his business capital and travel funds.
The criminals didn’t stop at robbery. In a chilling escalation, they tied a cord around Usman’s neck, leaving him in a life-threatening situation that could have ended tragically.
A Miraculous Rescue
Fortunately for Alhaji Usman, good Samaritans discovered him in his distressed state and immediately came to his aid. These compassionate Nigerians untied the cord from his neck, potentially saving his life and preventing what could have been another fatality statistic in the nation’s crime records.
The “One Chance” Menace
This incident serves as yet another stark reminder of the “one chance” syndicate that continues to operate with disturbing frequency across Nigerian cities, particularly in Abuja and Lagos.
These criminal gangs typically operate commercial vehicles disguised as legitimate transportation services. Once unsuspecting passengers board, they find themselves outnumbered by criminals posing as fellow passengers or drivers’ assistants. Victims are often robbed, assaulted, and sometimes dumped in isolated locations or even killed.
Safety Tips for Commuters
In light of this incident, security experts remind Nigerians to:
– Avoid boarding vehicles at isolated bus stops
– Be wary of vehicles with suspicious-looking passengers
– Share your travel details and vehicle information with family or friends
– Trust your instincts – if something feels wrong, don’t board
– Avoid displaying valuables like phones or cash in public transportation
– Prefer registered ride-hailing services when possible
– Note vehicle registration numbers before boarding
Calls for Enhanced Security
This rescue comes amid growing calls for security agencies to intensify efforts against the “one chance” menace in Abuja and across Nigeria. Many Nigerians on social media have expressed frustration at the persistence of this criminal enterprise despite repeated promises by authorities to clamp down on the perpetrators.
As Alhaji Usman recovers from this traumatic experience, his story serves as a cautionary tale for all Nigerians who depend on commercial transportation for their daily movements.
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Have you or someone you know experienced a “one chance” incident? What additional safety measures do you think should be implemented to protect commuters? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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