In a brazen attack that has left residents of Chikakore, a community in Abuja’s Bwari Area Council, in shock, FCT Police revealed that the abductors of a family were not the vigilantes they appeared to be. Instead, the kidnappers posed as local security operatives, wielding machetes and sticks, before carrying out the violent act early Monday morning.
The disturbing incident unfolded around 1:00 AM on January 26, 2025, when unknown men, disguised as vigilantes, tricked the head of a household into opening his gate. What followed was an unimaginable horror for the family, as the attackers, armed and prepared, stormed the house and abducted the man, his wife, and their son. A neighbor who had tried to intervene was also injured in the assault.
FCT Police spokesperson, SP Adeh Josephine, provided an official update, stating that seven unidentified men were involved in the crime. They posed as community vigilantes to exploit the trust of their victims and gain entry into the property.
“The suspects were armed with machetes and sticks, and they deceived the victim into opening his gate,” SP Josephine said. “Once inside, they abducted him and three members of his family. A neighbor who attempted to intervene was injured and taken to Kubwa General Hospital for treatment.”
The abduction has sent ripples of fear through the Chikakore community, raising concerns about the safety of residents and the growing sophistication of criminal elements in the Federal Capital Territory. According to local sources, the attackers were careful to avoid raising suspicion, blending in with the local security outfits. This raised the stakes for the community, already grappling with an increase in criminal activities across the region.
A Chaotic Attempt at Rescue
Reports indicate that when the police were alerted, they swiftly mobilized resources to investigate and respond to the alarming incident. The FCT Police Command dispatched a team of operatives to the scene, determined to piece together the sequence of events and rescue the victims.
SP Josephine emphasized the commitment of the police in apprehending the criminals and ensuring the safe return of the kidnapped family. “A thorough search and rescue operation has commenced,” she confirmed. “Our efforts are focused on locating the victims and bringing the perpetrators to justice.”
As of now, the abducted family members have yet to be found, and the police are pursuing all available leads. While the police have not disclosed specifics about any progress in the case, they have made it clear that the operation is ongoing.
A Wake-Up Call for Vigilance
The incident has raised serious concerns about the vulnerability of Abuja’s suburban areas, particularly within the Bwari Area Council. The Chikakore abduction, while particularly shocking due to the impersonation of vigilantes, is not an isolated case of criminal activity in the region.
Just last year, several similar incidents of kidnappings were reported across the Federal Capital Territory, with criminals increasingly resorting to disguises to gain the trust of their victims. As crime rates continue to rise, many residents are calling for more robust security measures, including better coordination between the police and local security organizations.
In a statement following the abduction, the police urged residents of Chikakore and surrounding areas to remain calm but vigilant. They also called on anyone with information related to the kidnapping or the suspects’ whereabouts to report immediately to the authorities.
“We urge the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activities in their neighborhoods,” SP Josephine added. “The public’s cooperation is critical in the fight against crime. If you have any information that can assist in locating the kidnapped victims or apprehending the criminals, please contact us immediately.”
Residents in the affected area have been asked to use the FCT Police Command’s emergency hotlines, which include: 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653, and 08028940883. The authorities have emphasized that any help, no matter how small, could be crucial in solving this case.
A Growing Crisis of Trust in Security Forces
The attack in Chikakore has also sparked a broader conversation about the increasing impersonation of security personnel by criminals. Residents are voicing concerns over the integrity of local vigilante groups and the need for a more organized and vetted security system.
“The police and vigilante groups need to work together to ensure there are no infiltrators among them,” said a community leader who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “The attack on this family proves how easily criminals can disguise themselves as trusted figures in our society.”
With growing uncertainty surrounding the authenticity of local security personnel, many are calling for tighter screening processes for vigilante groups and other neighborhood watch organizations. The rise of criminal gangs using such disguises only highlights the complexity of the current security landscape.
While authorities continue to probe the motives behind the Chikakore kidnapping, many questions remain about the nature of the criminals involved. Were they local thugs, or part of a larger network targeting affluent communities in the Federal Capital Territory? What other schemes could be underway?
The Public’s Role in Tackling Crime
The FCT Police Command’s call for public assistance underscores the crucial role that communities play in safeguarding their neighborhoods. Many Abuja residents, while appreciative of the police’s swift response, recognize that the fight against crime requires the cooperation of everyone.
“It’s sad that people can pose as vigilantes to harm others, but this is a wake-up call for all of us to be more vigilant,” said a resident of the neighboring community of Kubwa. “We need to report any unusual activity, and work with the police to help solve these crimes.”
The Chikakore family’s abduction marks a dark chapter in Abuja’s struggle with rising criminal activities. As the police continue their investigation, the hope is that the criminals will soon be apprehended, and the kidnapped family will be safely reunited.
