Panic gripped Rumuoro community in Ogbakiri, Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State after Mrs. Esther, a mother of two and patent medicine dealer, was abducted by suspected “one chance” robbers while on her way to Choba on Thursday, September 11, 2025.
According to the victim, she boarded a commercial tricycle at Ozuoba junction, unaware it was operated by criminals. “As I entered, they drove a distance, then closed the door and brought out guns. A woman covered my face with cloth, warning me not to shout,” Esther recounted.
The kidnappers allegedly forced her to open her phone and collected the cash in her bag before demanding ₦1 million. She said she pleaded for her life, explaining she could not raise the amount. Family members eventually transferred ₦103,000 and another ₦206,000 totaling ₦309,000 to an account provided by the abductors.
Esther disclosed that her release came after one of the female suspects, who identified as an Akwa Ibom native like her, intervened. “They slowed down close to an eatery in Choba and asked me to jump down,” she said.
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Prince Wiro, National Coordinator of the Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign, confirmed that he was contacted by the victim’s family during the ordeal. “I encouraged them to notify the police. About an hour later, I was informed she had been released,” he said.
Wiro urged residents to be vigilant when boarding commercial vehicles, noting registration numbers and sharing them with loved ones. He also called on the police to intensify stop-and-search operations in identified flashpoints to curb the activities of “one chance” robbers.
The rights advocate added that the traumatized victim has been advised to make a formal complaint at the police division in charge of the area where the incident occurred.
