Rising ‘One-Chance’ Robberies Plague Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Commuters Voice Concerns

Commuters along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway are facing heightened concerns as the notorious ‘one-chance’ robbers increase their operations in the Mowe/Ibafo-Berger area. Motorists and passengers have expressed their distress over the escalating criminal activities, making the once bustling route now a cause for worry.

In interviews with Punch Metro over the weekend, several passengers shared their harrowing experiences, emphasizing the deteriorating safety conditions on the expressway. Sarah Oladele, a teacher, revealed she now avoids being out after 7 pm, citing the dangers associated with the road during those hours.

“The road is dangerous by that time, and I would not want anything to happen to me or my children. May God continue to protect us,” Oladele expressed.

Rebecca, a hawker, reluctantly continues to use the route due to the absence of alternatives. She disclosed a recent incident involving her brother falling victim to the ‘one-chance’ criminals, recounting how they seized his phone and cash before dropping him off at Berger.

Bus driver Kamoru Babajide, operating a ‘korope,’ explained that he limits the number of male passengers to three due to the heightened caution among commuters. He highlighted the challenges of finding passengers when the vehicle has too many male occupants, as everyone is wary of falling prey to ‘one-chance’ robbers.

A victim, A.Y., narrated a terrifying incident where he was held at gunpoint during a journey from Ibafo to Berger. Despite promptly surrendering his belongings, he was forcibly pushed out of the bus at New Garage.

Responding to the situation, Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Omolola Odutola, stated that the DPOs in the affected areas, including Mowe, Ibafo, Redeem, and Sagamu, have been instructed to intensify patrols along the expressway. She assured the public that any complaints related to these crimes would be thoroughly investigated, with perpetrators promptly prosecuted.