Some residents of Port Harcourt have expressed deep concern over the growing wave of “one-chance” robberies along major routes in the city, particularly the East–West Road corridor.
The alarm follows a recent incident involving a petty trader, Ms. Nkoyo Enang, who was reportedly robbed of her day’s earnings after boarding a commercial bus from Rumosi to Rumuokoro.
According to Ms. Enang, she boarded what appeared to be a regular public bus on her way home after the day’s business, only to discover that the money she kept inside her bucket had disappeared shortly after she got down.
“I didn’t even realize what had happened until I reached the junction. I checked my bucket and saw that all my money was gone. I tried to look for the bus but it had already disappeared,” she recounted tearfully.
Residents in the area say such incidents have become increasingly frequent, especially in the evenings when commuters rush to return home. Victims are often dispossessed of cash, phones, and personal belongings by robbers who pose as commercial drivers and passengers.
A resident, Mr. Stanley Eze, urged the police and other security agencies to intensify patrols along the route.
“This one-chance issue is getting out of hand. Many people are now afraid to take public buses at night. The police need to act fast before it gets worse,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command has been urged to take proactive measures to curb the trend. As of press time, efforts to get a response from the command’s spokesperson were unsuccessful.
Security experts advise residents to be vigilant and avoid boarding unmarked or suspicious commercial vehicles, particularly at lonely bus stops or late hours.
The recent spike in one-chance robberies adds to growing security concerns in parts of Port Harcourt, with many calling for improved street lighting, more patrol units, and stricter regulation of public transport operators.
Port Harcourt Residents Raise alarm Over One Chance Crimes
