A terrifying ordeal unfolded in Kaduna on the night of August 15, 2024, as residents of Millennium City faced a harrowing attack by kidnappers. The invaders reportedly broke into several homes on Deeba Street, prompting desperate pleas for help from the community. As gunshots rang out in the area, residents turned to social media to call for urgent assistance from the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Army.
One resident, identified on social media as Gracious (@_Gracious11), took to Twitter to raise the alarm. In a series of tweets, Gracious described the chaos and fear gripping her neighborhood as the kidnappers attempted to break into a lawyer’s house just a few doors away from her own. The situation quickly escalated, with Gracious reporting gunfire and the imminent threat to her life and those of her neighbors.
“Please guys help us repost. Kidnappers are in my area breaking into people’s houses and kidnapping them,” Gracious tweeted at 10:23 p.m. on August 15. “They’re trying to break into a lawyer’s house which is just three houses from ours. We can hear gunshots everywhere. We are in trouble.”
The invasion on Deeba Street is part of a larger pattern of insecurity in Kaduna State, where residents have been living under constant threat from criminal elements. Kidnapping for ransom has become increasingly common, with communities often left to fend for themselves due to delayed or inadequate response from security agencies. The situation has left many in a perpetual state of fear, unsure when the next attack might occur.
Gracious continued to update her followers as the night wore on, providing details of the situation and pleading for help. In another tweet, she urgently directed authorities to the location, saying, “Deeba Street, Millennium City immediately after Karji, the first turn by your right after the Millennium City estate, Kaduna. Please @PoliceNG help us, we are in trouble, please.”
The terror escalated when Gracious realized that her sister had been severely injured during the attack. “I think they have succeeded in killing my sister, she’s bleeding so bad,” she tweeted in anguish. “I can hear the siren of the police van from afar. What will I tell the parents? I’m finished. Someone that only came to visit yesterday. We need help to save my sister’s life, please.”
Despite the desperate calls for assistance, Gracious reported that help had yet to arrive. “No single help here yet,” she tweeted, sharing her despair as the situation seemed to grow more dire by the minute. The sound of a police siren in the distance offered a glimmer of hope, but it was clear that the delay had already taken a toll.
The incident in Millennium City is just one of many that highlight the growing insecurity in Kaduna State. In recent years, the state has been plagued by a surge in violent crimes, including kidnapping, banditry, and attacks on rural communities. The rise in these criminal activities has strained the resources of the security forces, leading to widespread criticism over their ability to protect citizens effectively.
Kaduna has become a flashpoint in the larger security crisis facing Nigeria. The state’s unique geographic location—situated in the northern region and bordered by several other states—makes it a strategic target for criminal gangs. These gangs often carry out their attacks with impunity, emboldened by the lack of a swift response from law enforcement agencies.
Kidnapping for ransom, in particular, has become a lucrative business for criminals in Kaduna. The kidnappers typically target vulnerable communities, attacking homes and schools, and demanding large sums of money for the release of their victims. This trend has had devastating effects on the local population, forcing many to live in fear and disrupting daily life.
The government has made several efforts to address the security challenges in Kaduna, including deploying additional security personnel and launching military operations against the criminal groups. However, these measures have yielded limited success, as the kidnappers continue to adapt their tactics and evade capture. The result is a vicious cycle of violence that shows no signs of abating.
Gracious’ tweets quickly gained traction, with many users retweeting her messages and tagging relevant authorities, including the Nigerian Police Force (@PoliceNG) and the Nigerian Army (@HQNigerianArmy). Some users offered words of encouragement, urging her to stay safe and secure her home, while others expressed frustration over the delayed response from the police.
One user, @Campus9jaa, tweeted, “@PoliceNG please act first, make e no be like Nollywood ooo,” referencing the need for timely intervention. Another user, @Precomagic1, criticized the authorities, saying, “@PoliceNG these ones will come tomorrow and start arresting innocent people.”
“Kaduna Residents Plead for Help as Kidnappers Attack Homes in Millennium City”
- “Kidnappers Invade Kaduna Community, Residents Call for Urgent Police Action”
- “Fear and Panic in Kaduna: Social Media Raises Alarm Over Kidnapping Spree”
