Fresh fears over public safety have gripped residents of Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory following the discovery of two women's bodies in separate incidents linked to notorious 'one-chance' criminal gangs.
Second Body Found on Kubwa Expressway
The lifeless body of a woman, identified as Princess Ochigbo, was found on Tuesday along the Kubwa Expressway in Abuja. Her handbag, containing personal identification documents, was recovered a short distance away. Documents suggested she was a staff member of the FCT High Court.
The discovery became public after a user on the social media platform X, @HighChiefOkoro, shared photographs of the deceased and her ID card, appealing for help to locate her family. The post indicated she was "likely a victim of 'one chance' robbery." The public was directed to contact the Dawaki Division of the Nigeria Police Force.
Pattern of Violence Following Nurse's Killing
This tragic incident has intensified concerns that came just days after the killing of a nurse, Chinemerem Pascalina Chuwumeziem. She reportedly disappeared after closing from duty at the Federal Medical Centre in Jabi and was later found dead, also allegedly at the hands of 'one-chance' criminals.
The FCT Police Command has confirmed it has commenced investigations into the circumstances surrounding Ochigbo's death. The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, stated, "The FCT Police Command is aware of this sad incident. Discreet investigations are ongoing to unravel the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident." She promised more information would be provided as the probe progresses.
Rights Group Condemns 'Deepening Insecurity'
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has described the back-to-back deaths as alarming. In a statement by its national coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the group said the killings are symptomatic of deepening insecurity in the nation's capital.
HURIWA accused authorities of failing to deploy preventive security measures, leaving residents exposed to violent criminal networks. The group warned that more lives could be lost without urgent action and called on the Federal Government to:
- Strengthen intelligence-led policing.
- Confront 'one-chance' syndicates decisively.
- Prioritize the safety of residents, particularly women who are frequent targets.
The killing of nurse Chinemerem had earlier drawn strong condemnation from professional groups. The Elegant Nurses Forum described her death as "a painful and unacceptable loss," lamenting that a dedicated health worker was failed by a system that could not guarantee her safety.
As investigations continue, residents of Abuja are renewing calls for visible policing, safer public transport, and urgent action to dismantle criminal gangs operating under the guise of commercial transport. The growing anxiety highlights a critical need for security reforms on the city's roads.
