In the Alapere area of Lagos State, a new and chilling wave of criminal activity is causing widespread fear among commuters. A group of criminals, termed ‘One Chance’ robbers, are using a potent balm known as aboniki to incapacitate their victims, paving the way for a seamless robbery. This alarming method involves these criminals impersonating a commercial bus service and launching attacks on unsuspecting passengers en route to their destinations.
Victims have stepped forward to recount their horrifying ordeals, painting a vivid picture of the terror that unfolds in these incidents. One particular victim detailed an incident that occurred on January 23, where she was assaulted, robbed, and subjected to the blinding effects of aboniki by the robbers in a Sienna bus while on her way to work. The robbers made away with her valuables, including her phone, laptop, and cash, while issuing threats of sexual assault.
The surge in these ‘One Chance’ robberies is not limited to one incident. Another victim, a doctor, shared her trauma of having N1.1 million fraudulently withdrawn from her bank accounts by a similar gang in December 2023. Such incidents serve as a stark reminder of the potent threat these criminals pose to the safety and security of residents and commuters in the region.
The police in the Ogudu and Alapere area have responded to these incidents by issuing warnings to commuters against boarding private cars. Despite the increasing frequency of these robberies, the public has been slow to heed these warnings. This lackadaisical attitude towards personal safety heightens the risk of falling prey to these criminals.
The ‘One Chance’ robberies in the Alapere area of Lagos State underscore the urgent need for increased vigilance among residents and heightened security measures to tackle this rising security challenge.
