A fresh wave of insecurity has hit residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) after suspected kidnappers killed one person and abducted another during an attack on a residential community in Kubwa, one of Abuja’s largest satellite towns.
The incident occurred between 11 p.m. on Saturday and midnight on Sunday at the Quarry area along Arab Road in Kubwa. The attackers reportedly invaded the community under the cover of darkness, leaving residents in fear and renewing concerns about the growing threat of kidnapping in parts of the nation’s capital.
According to residents, the gunmen stormed the area through a nearby hill that has become a known route used by criminals to gain access to the community. During the attack, one resident was shot and later died in hospital, while his younger brother was taken away by the assailants.
The secretary of the community, identified simply as Dairo, said residents became aware of the invasion after hearing repeated gunshots from a section of the neighbourhood close to the hill.
He explained that local security personnel immediately responded to the situation and attempted to confront the attackers, but were unable to stop them from carrying out their operation.
According to him, the gunmen exchanged fire with members of the community security team before forcing their way into the victims’ apartment.
“We started hearing gunshots around a house close to the hill. Our local security team tried to repel them, but the attackers managed to enter the apartment,” Dairo said.
“After entering the house, they shot one of the occupants and abducted his younger brother.”
Residents said the victim who sustained gunshot injuries was rushed to a hospital for treatment. However, he later died on Sunday due to the severity of his wounds.
The development has thrown the community into mourning, with many residents expressing shock over the attack.
Dairo said police officers arrived in the area after the incident, but the kidnappers had already escaped with their captive before security operatives got there.
The latest attack has also raised fresh questions about the security situation in parts of the FCT, where incidents of kidnapping and violent attacks have continued to occur despite efforts by security agencies to tackle the problem.
Community leaders said the attack was not an isolated incident but part of a troubling pattern that has affected residents over the years.
According to Dairo, this is the third successful kidnapping operation recorded in the community in recent years.
He noted that criminals often take advantage of the hilly terrain surrounding the area to gain access to residential buildings and escape without being easily detected.
“The attackers always come through the hill. That has been their route whenever they invade the community,” he said.
He recalled that another resident was abducted from the same community in May last year and was eventually released after a ransom was reportedly paid.
The community secretary also disclosed that local security personnel had successfully prevented another attempted attack just a few weeks ago.
According to him, suspected kidnappers tried to enter the area two or three weeks earlier, but were repelled by vigilantes and other community security volunteers.
He praised members of the local security network for their commitment to protecting residents despite limited resources and difficult conditions.
Over the years, residents of the Quarry area and surrounding communities have organised vigilante groups and engaged local hunters to help secure the neighbourhood against criminal attacks.
The move became necessary, residents said, because of repeated security threats and concerns over the ability of formal security structures to provide adequate protection.
Despite these efforts, community leaders say criminal groups continue to exploit gaps in security coverage, particularly in areas located close to forests, hills and other difficult terrains.
The latest incident has renewed calls for stronger security measures in the area.
Dairo appealed to the government and security agencies to establish a permanent police station within the community or significantly increase patrol activities to deter criminal elements.
He argued that the presence of a police station would improve response time during emergencies and help prevent future attacks.
“We need stronger security presence in this area. The government should establish a police station here or increase regular patrols so that these criminals will not continue to attack residents at will,” he said.
Kidnapping has remained one of the major security challenges facing Nigeria in recent years. Although Abuja is the nation’s capital and seat of government, several communities on the outskirts of the city have witnessed repeated attacks by kidnappers and armed gangs.
Residents of many suburban communities around Abuja have repeatedly called for stronger security measures, improved intelligence gathering and better coordination among security agencies to address the threat.
The attack in Kubwa is likely to deepen fears among residents who have increasingly become concerned about safety in communities located on the fringes of the capital city.
As security agencies continue efforts to rescue the abducted victim and track down the attackers, residents are hoping that decisive action will be taken to prevent further incidents and restore confidence in the safety of the area.