Rising ‘One Chance’ Robberies Spark Concern in Port Harcourt

Residents of Port Harcourt are expressing growing concern over the increasing cases of transit robbery, popularly known as “one chance,” across parts of the city, with both commuters and transport operators calling for urgent intervention.

Commercial bus and taxi drivers operating along the busy Choba–Rumuokoro axis have appealed to the Rivers State Government and relevant authorities to step up efforts in tackling the menace.

The drivers urged government agencies to work more closely with transport unions to identify and apprehend criminal elements disguising as legitimate operators.

According to them, improved collaboration, proper monitoring of vehicles, and stricter regulation within the transport sector would significantly enhance the safety of passengers.

They further stressed the need for full enforcement of existing directives mandating commuters to board vehicles only at designated motor parks, rather than by the roadside, which they described as a major vulnerability exploited by criminals.

“I just pray if the local government chairman will help us. Every motor that is running on the road, let them enter the park direct so that this one chance thing will reduce.”

“If you’re coming to park, you know where you’re entering your motor, you know the driver that is driving you.”

“In case anything that happens to you, you know where to trace. At least one will help to reduce this crime that is happening on the way” said a commercial driver.”

Another driver who also condemned the rising issues of one chance, he pointed out that loading of passengers in designated motor parks will go a long way to curb the issues of one chance in Port Harcourt

“They take somebody a drop, and they k!ll the person on the way, all these kind of things is what we don’t want again.”

“So please, we’re pleading with the government to help us, to make them to come into the park because that’s why they built the parks” he said.

Meanwhile, some residents who spoke with Kristina Reports described the situation as alarming and unacceptable, noting that fear now characterises daily commuting in certain parts of the city.

They called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to intensify surveillance and routine patrols, particularly around identified hotspots such as the Obiri-Ikwerre flyover.

The residents also advocated for the installation of functional street lights in vulnerable areas, arguing that improved visibility would help deter criminal activities and enhance public safety, especially at night.

“Government should do more, but the best way to go about it is, when government partner with National Union, then we can be able to figure out the culprit,” said one resident.

Similarly, another resident complained that the situation has become unbearable. He called on the security agencies and government to step up and tackle the menace.

” The issue of this one chance in Rivers State to be particular is one too many. When will the authorities in charge rise up to the occasion for the people to have a sigh of relief to be safe.”

“So I want to use this medium to reawaken the security chiefs, even the government to wake up from its slumber”.

Stakeholders say addressing the rising trend will require a coordinated approach involving government, security agencies, transport unions, and the public, to ensure that confidence is restored in the city’s transport system.