Residents of the Gbazango Extension Relocation 2 area in Kubwa, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), were thrown into panic in the early hours of Saturday when gunmen stormed the community, kidnapped a male resident, and shot another.
According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers invaded the community along Arab Road at about 1 a.m., firing gunshots into the air to scare people away before carrying out the abduction. One resident sustained gunshot wounds and is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
A resident named Yahaya said that the community is now living in fear, describing the attack as well-coordinated. He said even the prompt arrival of police officers and local vigilantes could not stop the gunmen.
“Gunmen attacked our community again today. They took one of us away and shot another resident, who is now in the hospital. When the police arrived with vigilante members, they couldn’t do anything. It looked like the attackers had planned everything before coming,” Yahaya said.
Another resident, who chose to remain anonymous for security reasons, echoed the concerns. He said this was not the first time such an incident would occur in the area, noting that kidnappings have become a recurring problem.
“This happens every year, and sometimes more than once in a year. We are living in constant fear. We are pleading with the government and security agencies to step up action before more lives are lost,” he said.
The chairman of the community, Mr. Jonathan Agbo, confirmed the incident but said he had only just returned to the area and was still gathering details.
“I have been away. I just returned, and I only heard about the incident. I will call you back when I have the full details,” he told our correspondent.
Saturday’s attack adds to the growing list of security concerns in communities within and around the Federal Capital Territory. Despite efforts by security agencies, residents of Kubwa and nearby areas continue to report increasing incidents of armed robbery, kidnapping, and other violent crimes.
As of the time of filing this report, the identity of the kidnapped victim had not been released, and the condition of the injured resident remains unknown.
Residents are urging the Federal Government to act swiftly to prevent further attacks and restore peace to the area.
