The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has raised concern over the resurgence of “one chance” criminal activities in the Federal Capital Territory, following the killing of a nurse, Chinemerem Pascalina Chuwumeziem, and a lawyer, Princess Chigbo Mediatrix.
Mediatrix, a former treasurer of the NBA Abuja Branch, and Chuwumeziem, a healthcare worker, were reportedly attacked by criminals who posed as commercial transport operators. Their bodies were later discovered in different parts of Abuja.
Confirming the death of the lawyer, the FCT Police Command said investigations were ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its president, Afam Osigwe (SAN), the NBA described the killings as alarming and said the incidents had thrown the nation’s capital into fear and mourning. The association warned that insecurity was once again becoming rampant in Abuja.
According to the NBA, the victims were law-abiding professionals whose only intention was to return safely from their daily activities, noting that their deaths reflect a disturbing breakdown in public safety.
The association described the killings as a serious indictment of the security situation in the FCT, stating that criminal groups masquerading as transport operators had turned daily commuting into a life-threatening risk.
Osigwe said the death of Princess Mediatrix was a painful loss to the legal profession, noting her dedication and service to the NBA Abuja Branch.
The NBA condemned the attacks in strong terms and called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies to treat the situation as a security emergency.
It demanded immediate and coordinated measures, including enhanced intelligence gathering, increased surveillance, stronger policing of transport routes and decisive action against known “one chance” syndicates.
The association also extended condolences to the families of the victims, the healthcare community and members of the NBA Abuja Branch, urging authorities to ensure that the tragic deaths lead to concrete steps toward restoring safety in Abuja.
