The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has issued a stern warning to residents, especially women, against accepting unsolicited rides from strangers, as part of intensified efforts to curb criminal activities in Abuja.
The warning was given by FCT Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, on Friday during a courtesy and advocacy visit by a delegation from the Nigerian Bar Association, which included representatives from the International Federation of Women Lawyers, NBA Women Forum, and Unity Bar.
According to a statement by FCT Police spokesperson Josephine Adeh, the CP urged residents to remain vigilant and security-conscious, particularly when boarding commercial vehicles. He advised women to avoid accepting free rides from unknown individuals and to exercise caution in selecting vehicles for travel.
“The CP emphasised the importance of collective responsibility, timely information sharing, and public cooperation in preventing and dismantling ‘one-chance’ criminal operations across the Territory,” the statement partly read.
Dantawaye also commiserated with the delegation over the tragic killing of Ms. Princess Ochigbo, a legal practitioner whose body was discovered on the Kubwa Expressway on Tuesday. Her personal belongings, including her bag and identity card, were found a few metres from the scene. Documents recovered suggest she may have been a staff member of the FCT High Court.
“The Commissioner of Police assured that extensive and discreet investigations have commenced into the incident, with a firm commitment to ensuring the perpetrators are identified, apprehended, and brought to justice,” Adeh added.
This warning follows recent attacks in the FCT, including the killing of Chinemerem Chuwumeziem, a nurse at the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, an incident that sparked outrage from the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, FCT Council.
The FCT Police continue to urge residents to report suspicious activities promptly, as public cooperation remains key to preventing further criminal incidents.
Elijah Adeyemi
