The streets of Owerri, the Imo State capital, are no longer as safe as they once were. The rise of “one chance” kidnappers, who prey on unsuspecting commuters, has become a deeply troubling issue.
These criminals, using the popular Busimo—an eight-seater mini-bus that serves as a major mode of transportation in the city—have turned what was once a convenient and reliable transport system into a vehicle of terror.
The Busimo, introduced following the ban on Okada (motorcycles) in Owerri, initially served as a beacon of progress. For many Imolites, it offered a faster, safer, and more efficient way to move around.
However, recent reports suggest that some of these buses are increasingly being weaponized by criminal elements to kidnap, rob, and even harm passengers.
The modus operandi of these criminals is chilling. Victims have recounted harrowing experiences of boarding a seemingly ordinary Busimo along popular routes such as Egbu Road, ShopRite Junction, Douglas Road, and Wetheral Road, only to find themselves at the mercy of kidnappers.
Some are dispossessed of their phones, wallets, and other valuables before being thrown out of the vehicle. Others are not so fortunate, as they simply vanish without a trace.
The tales of horror emerging from these incidents are as heartbreaking as they are alarming. Survivors have described the perpetrators as ruthless and organized, with some accounts suggesting that these kidnappers are working with ritualists. This grim possibility has sent shockwaves through the metropolis, as the idea of innocent lives being sold into ritual practices is both horrifying and deeply unsettling.
The frequency of these incidents has escalated to the point where it feels like no one is safe. Daily reports of one chance bus kidnappings are flooding social media and local news outlets, painting a grim picture of insecurity in the state capital.
Residents, once free to move about their daily lives, are now gripped by fear and anxiety every time they step out of their homes.
This is not merely a matter of petty crime; it is a crisis that demands urgent attention. The rise of these criminal activities in Owerri is a stark reminder of the broader insecurity plaguing Imo State. From banditry to kidnappings, the state has become a hotbed of criminal activities that threaten the lives and livelihoods of its citizens.
Law enforcement agencies have a critical role to play in addressing this menace. While the police and other security agencies claim to be working on curbing crime, their efforts have so far fallen short of public expectations. There is a pressing need for more proactive and visible policing along high-risk routes. Surveillance, undercover operations, and rapid response units must be deployed to restore confidence in the transport system.
The Imo State government cannot afford to turn a blind eye to this growing threat. It must take immediate steps to regulate the operations of Busimo drivers and owners.
A comprehensive review of the transport system is overdue, and stringent measures must be put in place to ensure that only verified and legitimate operators are allowed on the roads.
Also, the government should consider implementing a centralized identification system for commercial vehicle operators.
Drivers and their vehicles should be registered, tracked, and monitored. This will not only deter criminal elements but also make it easier for law enforcement agencies to apprehend offenders when crimes occur.
Public awareness campaigns are equally essential. Residents must be educated on how to identify suspicious vehicles and avoid falling victim to these predators.
Community policing initiatives should also be encouraged, with neighborhood watch groups playing an active role in reporting suspicious activities to the authorities.
This frightening situation demands a collective response from all stakeholders. The residents of Owerri must work hand in hand with law enforcement agencies and the state government to rid their city of this scourge.Silence and complacency will only embolden these criminals and make the situation worse.
Imo State cannot afford to lose its sense of safety and security. The government must rise to the occasion and demonstrate that it values the lives and well-being of its citizens above all else. It is time to prioritize the safety of commuters and restore public confidence in the transport system.
The menace of one chance kidnappers in Owerri is a stain on the city’s reputation and a threat to its development. Let this serve as a call to action for every concerned stakeholder. Imolites deserve better, and it is the responsibility of those in power to ensure that this menace is stamped out once and for all.
This is not just a transportation issue; it is a matter of life and death. The time to act is now.