A female resident of Port Harcourt, identified as Chioma Garshion, has narrated a harrowing experience of robbery and assault allegedly carried out by suspected criminals posing as commercial transport operators.
According to her account, the incident occurred on Thursday night when she and her sister stepped out to purchase fuel at Pepperoni Junction in the city. After completing their errand, they proceeded to another location to buy additional items.
Garshion explained that they mistakenly boarded the wrong shuttle tricycle, popularly known as “keke,” an error that marked the beginning of their ordeal.
“The moment we got in, it was clear something was wrong,” she said.
She alleged that the occupants of the tricycle forcefully seized their mobile phones, compelled them to sign out of their iCloud accounts, and dispossessed them of personal belongings, including gold necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
The attackers reportedly transferred money from her sister’s account into hers because she had access to a UBA ATM card, before withdrawing the entire sum.
They also demanded their banking pins and passwords, and when the victims hesitated, they were allegedly subjected to severe physical assault.
“They beat us mercilessly — punching, slapping, and choking us — while threatening us with guns and knives. At some point, they even threatened to rape us,” she recounted.
Garshion further stated that the suspects drove them around for hours, making stops, including at a supermarket, to verify if an ATM machine was functional, suggesting the operation was premeditated.
Throughout the ordeal, she said they could only pray for survival.
The victims were eventually abandoned in Owerri, where the assailants pushed them out of the vehicle and fled.
Following the incident, Garshion appealed to the public not to send money to her previous bank accounts, stating that they had been compromised. She provided an alternative account for assistance and urged anyone indebted to her to use the updated payment details.
She also expressed deep concern over the growing insecurity in the country, warning residents to remain vigilant.
“Honestly, there is no real sense of security. It’s frightening how unsafe things have become. Please, everyone, be extremely careful,” she added.
