By Ken Afor
A group of armed bandits reportedly carried out a brazen attack in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, abducting family members of a senior customs officer on Sunday morning.
According to eyewitness accounts, approximately 10 bandits stormed the customs officer’s residence in the Shagari Quarters area of Dei-Dei around 11:30 a.m. and forcibly gained entry into the compound.
The bandits broke into the home and kidnapped the officer’s heavily pregnant wife, three of his children, and his younger brother.
It was gathered that the officer was not present during the attack, as he was out of town. Sources indicate that the officer had previously worked with the police Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and had been provided with police protection. However, the security detail was withdrawn after his transfer to Lagos, leaving his family unprotected and vulnerable to such an attack.
Reports suggest that the bandits spent over two hours inside the compound before moving to the neighboring Dakwa community, where they attempted to target other houses but were overpowered by security forces.
While the pregnant woman was later released by the bandits, the children and the officer’s younger brother remain in captivity, reportedly contradicting Police claim that the kidnapping was foiled. Family sources confirmed that the children and the brother are still being held hostage by the armed group, according to the Vanguard.
The FCT Police Command Spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, while confirming the incident in a statement on Monday said: “In an immediate and strategic response to a distress call on the attack by unknown gunmen in Dawaki on May 19, 2024, at around 11:30 am, the operatives of the FCT police command led by the Commissioner of Police, CP Benneth C. Igweh, himself, swiftly mobilized to the scene.
“Displaying remarkable bravery and coordination, the police, in synergy with local hunters, advanced on the assailants, tactically ambushing them at Ushafa Hill via Bwari and Shishipe Hills via Mpape. This led to a fierce gun duel as the hoodlums were overwhelmed by the firepower of the operatives, forcing them to scamper to safety with various degrees of bullet injuries, and the victims were rescued.
“While one of the rescued victims is still in the hospital receiving medical attention, the commissioner of police, FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh, reaffirms the command’s steadfast dedication to maintaining peace and security in the Territory, as search operations are ongoing to rescue other hostages who fled the scene during the shootout.”
The abduction has sparked grave concerns over the deteriorating security situation in the FCT, especially in the Dei-Dei area, which has witnessed a surge in kidnapping incidents in recent times. Residents have urged the government to take immediate and decisive action to address the escalating security challenges plaguing the region.
The traditional ruler of Dakwa, Dr. Alhassan Musa Babachukuri, has expressed deep anguish over the brazen activities of these armed bandits. He has revealed that the criminals have established a stronghold behind the iconic Zuma Rock in the Chachi community near Dakwa, situated in the neighboring Niger State. Babachukuri has emphatically called upon the authorities to launch a concerted offensive against these bandits before their reign of terror spirals out of control.
In response to the shocking incident, the police have initiated an investigation and have reassured residents of their unwavering commitment to upholding law and order, as well as ensuring the safety and security of the populace.
