A Lagos-based fashion designer has recounted her terrifying encounter with kidnappers who allegedly threatened to “burst open her buttocks” after accusing her of undergoing a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgery. The young woman, who narrowly escaped death, shared her story to raise awareness about the growing wave of abductions targeting unsuspecting commuters in Nigeria’s major cities.
According to her account, the ordeal began when she boarded what appeared to be a commercial vehicle heading toward her destination. Moments later, she realized she had entered a one-chance vehicle — a term used locally to describe buses used by criminal gangs to abduct and rob passengers. She said the men in the vehicle overpowered her, blindfolded her, and drove her to an unknown location.
The fashion designer said that upon arrival at the kidnappers’ den, she noticed several other victims, some of whom were already unconscious. The abductors reportedly took turns questioning her about her physical appearance, claiming she had undergone cosmetic surgery and must have “money hidden somewhere.” When she denied the accusation, one of them threatened to cut open her buttocks to confirm.
“They accused me of doing BBL because of my shape,” she recounted tearfully. “One of them said if I didn’t confess where I got the money for surgery, they would open my buttocks to see for themselves. I begged them and told them I’ve never done any surgery in my life.”
The victim said her captors later took her phone and demanded she provide contact numbers of relatives who could pay a ransom. She added that they eventually transferred her to another location, where she heard gunshots and cries from other victims, which heightened her fear that she might not survive the night.
After several hours in captivity, she was reportedly released along a deserted road after the kidnappers collected the little money and valuables she had on her. She wandered for hours before being rescued by passersby who took her to safety. The experience, she said, has left her traumatized and unable to resume her normal life.
The fashion designer urged the government and security agencies to intensify efforts in combating the rising cases of abductions in Nigeria, especially in urban centers like Lagos, where “one-chance” robberies have become rampant. She also appealed to Nigerians to exercise caution when boarding public vehicles and to share their travel details with friends or relatives.
Her story has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians expressing outrage over the brutality of the kidnappers and the increasing insecurity in the country. Some users also called for better regulation and surveillance of public transport systems to curb the menace.
Security experts have repeatedly warned that criminal gangs now use unpainted or privately owned vehicles disguised as commercial buses to lure passengers. They advise commuters to avoid boarding vehicles at unauthorized points and to use verified transport services whenever possible.
Authorities have yet to confirm the incident, but the Lagos State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to tackling crime and ensuring residents’ safety. However, the victim’s harrowing experience underscores the grim reality many Nigerians face daily — a struggle to navigate their own cities without falling prey to violence or extortion.
