In a distressing incident along the Iyana Ipaja terminal bridge in Lagos, a 43-year-old Toyota car owner, Eguono Onodjae, found himself victimized after extending a helping hand to a purported pregnant woman in need, resulting in a harrowing ordeal that left him unconscious for two days.
Recalling the fateful encounter, Onodjae narrated his unsettling experience to Vanguard, shedding light on the events that led to his unfortunate plight.
“It happened on Tuesday night,” Onodjae began, recounting the sequence of events. “While driving back home to Abule Egba after completing an official assignment, I spotted a woman accompanied by a child, seemingly in need of assistance. Believing they were headed in the same direction, I offered them a lift.”
Little did Onodjae know that his act of kindness would swiftly devolve into a nightmare. Upon the woman’s entry into his vehicle, he found himself ambushed by accomplices who swiftly incapacitated him, leaving him unconscious on the roadside.
“The supposed pregnant woman poured something pepperish on my eyes and used a handkerchief to cover my face,” Onodjae recalled, detailing the treacherous turn of events. “Their forceful actions indicated foul play, and before I knew it, I was pushed to the ground.”
In the wake of the assault, Onodjae found himself robbed of his belongings, including his car, phone, voter’s card, and wallet, leaving him stranded and vulnerable.
Fortunately, the timely intervention of patrol policemen aided in his rescue, as they discovered him lying unconscious by the roadside and promptly transported him to a nearby hospital in Agege.
“The patrol policemen found me lying on the ground, and their swift response ensured I received medical attention,” Onodjae expressed gratitude for their assistance. “After two days of unconsciousness, I regained consciousness and was able to recount the harrowing ordeal to the authorities.”
Despite the traumatic experience, Onodjae’s resilience prevailed as he reunited with his recovered vehicle, a testament to the collaboration between law enforcement and citizens in combating criminal activities within the community.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in extending aid to strangers, underscoring the importance of vigilance and caution in navigating public spaces.
