The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) has vowed to pursue justice for two professionals—a lawyer and a nurse—who were killed in separate “one chance” attacks in Abuja in January, warning that the resurgence of criminal transport syndicates poses a grave threat to public safety in Nigeria’s capital.
The victims were identified as Chinemerem Chukwumeziem, a nurse attached to the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, who was killed on January 3, and Princess Mediatrix Chigbo, a lawyer and former Treasurer of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abuja Branch, whose body was later found dumped along the Kubwa Expressway.
Addressing a world press conference in Abuja on Thursday Chioma Onyenucheya-Uko, Chairperson of FIDA Abuja, the organisation described the killings as a chilling signal of deepening insecurity and pledged sustained advocacy to ensure accountability.
“When officers of the court and defenders of rights are abducted and murdered on the streets of the nation’s capital, it sends a chilling message to every resident—especially women and other vulnerable commuters—who already navigate public spaces under constant threat,” Onyenucheya-Uko said.
FIDA stressed that the attacks were not isolated incidents but part of a disturbing and persistent pattern that has continued despite widespread public concern and repeated calls for action.
The group urged the Federal Capital Territory Administration to immediately declare a security emergency targeting “one chance” operators and to establish a dedicated, multi-agency task force to dismantle the criminal networks. It also called for the urgent installation and activation of functional CCTV and surveillance systems along major transport corridors, drop-off points and known hotspots.
FIDA further demanded the regulation and sanitisation of commercial transportation in the FCT, including proper identification, registration and monitoring of both formal and informal transport operators.
Addressing security agencies—including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)—the organisation called for intensified intelligence-driven patrols, stop-and-search operations and covert surveillance along known “one chance” routes. It also demanded the prompt arrest, thorough investigation and prosecution of perpetrators and their collaborators.
To restore public confidence, FIDA urged security agencies to provide regular public briefings detailing actions taken, arrests made and prosecutions commenced.
FIDA also turned its attention to the justice system, calling for the swift and serious handling of cases arising from such crimes. “Justice must not only be done,” the statement said, “it must be seen to be done.”
As fear mounts among Abuja commuters, FIDA warned that failure to act decisively would embolden criminal gangs and further erode public trust. The group reiterated its commitment to sustained advocacy until meaningful action is taken and justice is delivered for the victims and their families.
