Twenty Kidnapped in Night Raid Near Abuja

Around 20 residents of Dawaki, a community near Kubwa in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), were abducted by armed bandits during a night raid on Sunday. The attackers stormed houses on Frank Opara Street, prompting a swift response from security operatives.

According to PUNCH, Mr. Tunde Abdulrahim, Chairman of the Dawaki Rock Heaven Community made it known that the incident occurred around 7:30 PM and involved approximately 50 armed men who broke into six houses. “The attackers were heavily armed and operated with impunity, causing panic among residents,” Abdulrahim reported.

The FCT police, led by Commissioner of Police Benneth Igweh, engaged the kidnappers in a gun battle. FCT police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said in a statement, “In an immediate and strategic response to a distress call on the attack, operatives, led by CP Igweh, swiftly mobilised to the scene.”

The police, supported by local hunters, ambushed the assailants at Ushafa Hill via Bwari and Shishipe Hills via Mpape, leading to a fierce gunfight. “The hoodlums were overwhelmed by the firepower of the operatives, forcing them to flee with various degrees of bullet injuries,” Adeh added. One rescued victim is receiving medical attention, and search operations are ongoing to find others who escaped during the shootout.

This raid follows a similar attack on Shagari Quarters in Dei-Dei, FCT, where bandits abducted five people, including the family of a senior customs officer. Vigilante sources confirmed the attackers spent over two hours in the area before facing resistance from security personnel in the neighboring Dakwa community.

Chief of Dakwa, Dr. Alhassan Musa Babachukuri, expressed concern over the bandits’ growing presence, noting they have established a base behind Zuma Rock in the Chachi community near Dakwa in neighboring Niger State. “These criminal elements have created a hideout, making it challenging to ensure the safety of our communities,” he stated.

Commissioner Igweh reassured residents of the FCT police’s commitment to maintaining peace and security, urging them to report any suspicious activities. “We are dedicated to protecting lives and properties and will not relent in our efforts to rid the FCT of criminal elements,” he affirmed.