Residents of Dawaki, near Kubwa in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), were thrown into confusion after a mass kidnapping incident at the weekend.
According to sources, around 20 people were abducted in the attack, which took place on Frank Opara Street.
Tunde Abdulrahim, Chairman of the Dawaki Rock Heaven Community, reported that the heavily armed assailants, numbering about 50 and comprising both men and women, invaded the community around 7:30 pm on Sunday.
The bandits broke into six houses, taking residents hostage before security forces could respond to distress calls.
The FCT police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, stated that Commissioner of Police CP Benneth Igweh led a team of officers to the scene, engaging the kidnappers in a gun battle.
The police, along with local hunters, ambushed the assailants at Ushafa Hill via Bwari and Shishipe Hills via Mpape. The attackers, overwhelmed by the firepower, fled with various injuries, leading to the rescue of the kidnapped victims. One rescued victim remains hospitalized.
“Remarkable bravery and coordination by the police and local hunters forced the assailants to flee, resulting in the rescue of all victims. Search operations continue to locate other hostages who fled during the shootout,” said Adeh.
This incident follows a similar kidnapping earlier on Sunday in Shagari Quarters, Dei-Dei, where bandits abducted five people, including the family members of a senior customs officer.
Vigilante sources reported that the attackers spent over two hours in the area before moving to the neighboring Dakwa community. An attempt to kidnap more residents in Dakwa was thwarted by a fierce gunfight with security personnel, forcing the bandits to retreat.
Dr. Alhassan Musa Babachukuri, Chief of Dakwa, expressed concern over the growing boldness of the bandits, who have reportedly established a base behind Zuma Rock in Chachi community, Niger State. He urged the government to take decisive action against the bandits to prevent further escalation of their activities.
