Lagos, the city that never sleeps, is full of excitement, energy, and, of course, the legendary danfos (yellow buses) that make the roads feel like a real-life Fast & Furious movie. But amidst the hustle and bustle, there’s a not-so-fun reality—“One Chance” buses.
For the uninitiated, “One Chance” is Lagos slang for buses operated by criminals who rob or scam unsuspecting passengers. If you’re not careful, you might find yourself in a bus ride straight out of a Nollywood thriller. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here’s how to identify these shady buses and keep your transport experience stress-free.
1. Shady-Looking Bus & Crew
Let’s be honest, Lagos danfos are rarely in pristine condition, but even among them, “One Chance” buses look extra suspicious. Watch out for:
- Buses with broken lights, missing number plates, or strange paint jobs.
- Conductors and drivers who look restless, avoid eye contact, or are overly aggressive.
- Buses parked in unusual or dark spots, instead of the proper bus stops.
2. Rush-Rush Tactics
Lagos drivers are naturally in a hurry, but a “One Chance” bus crew takes it to another level. If the conductor keeps shouting, “Enter fast! No time!” or refuses to let you properly check the bus before entering, be alert. They do this to stop you from noticing anything suspicious.
3. Empty or Suspiciously Filled Bus
Ever entered a bus and felt like everyone inside knew each other except you? That’s a red flag! “One Chance” operators often plant fake passengers (their gang members) inside. If a bus has too many silent, oddly dressed, or overly friendly passengers, think twice before entering.
4. Cheap or Unbelievable Fare
In Lagos, cheap things can be expensive in the long run. If every bus is charging ₦500 and one random bus is offering ₦200 to the same destination, run o! “One Chance” gangs lure victims with ridiculously low fares.
5. Unusual Route or Sudden Change in Destination
Imagine entering a bus heading to CMS, and suddenly the driver starts moving towards Ikorodu! If a bus suddenly changes its route or makes unnecessary stops, it’s time to alight immediately.
6. Faulty Door or No Handle
Ever entered a bus only to realize the door won’t open from the inside? That’s a classic “One Chance” trick. Before entering any bus, make sure the doors can open freely. If not, respect yourself and find another ride.
7. Late-Night & Isolated Bus Stops
Lagos is lively, but some places become ghost towns at night. Avoid entering buses at deserted bus stops or during odd hours when the streets are empty.
How to Stay Safe
- Use trusted transport options like BRT, Bolt, or Uber when possible.
- If you feel uncomfortable in a bus, find a reason to alight immediately.
- Share your trip details with someone, especially at night.
- Always trust your instincts. If something feels off, don’t enter.
