By Olokuta Rofiat
A trader, Mrs. Wumi Adekunle, has recounted a harrowing encounter with suspected “one chance” robbers who dispossessed her of ₦736,000 along the Giri-Zuba road in Abuja.
The incident occurred early in the morning while she was en route to Suleja market. According to Mrs. Adekunle, she boarded what appeared to be a regular commercial cab already occupied by passengers.
Shortly after the journey began, the driver suddenly veered off course, pretending the vehicle had developed a fault.
“At that point, one of the passengers pulled out a pistol while another brandished a knife,” she said. “They took my handbag containing ₦736,000, the money I was going to use for trading and threatened to shoot me if I made a sound.”
She pleaded with the assailants to return part of the money, but they refused and dumped her by the roadside. Passersby later assisted her in getting home safely.
The visibly shaken trader has not reported the incident to the police, expressing doubt that any action would be taken or the stolen funds recovered.
“One chance” robberies have become increasingly rampant in the Federal Capital Territory, especially along routes like Gwagwalada, Zuba, and the Abuja-Lokoja expressway.
Authorities have repeatedly warned residents to avoid boarding unverified vehicles, particularly at odd hours.
Security operatives are said to be intensifying efforts to curb the menace.