In yet another brazen act of criminality, gun-wielding bandits invaded the Chikakore community in Kubwa, Abuja, on Sunday evening, abducting five residents, including an entire family. This incident has once again spotlighted the escalating insecurity in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The attack, which occurred around 11 p.m. in the Health Centre Extension axis of Chikakore, left residents in shock and despair. Among the victims are a Southwesterner, Adesiyan Akinropo, his wife, son, a visitor to their home, and a neighbor. The bandits, in their audacious operation, injured a woman by striking her head with a gun butt, causing severe bleeding. She was rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment.
Eyewitnesses revealed that the attackers, disguised as vigilantes, deceived Akinropo into opening his gate before overpowering the household. The bandits also struck fear into the community by taking another neighbor, bringing the total number of abductees to five.
Despite the distress call placed to the police, residents lamented the delay in the arrival of law enforcement. “The policemen arrived an hour and a half after the bandits had escaped with their victims,” a distraught resident shared. She further disclosed that the community has been lobbying for a police division to be established in the area. “We already have land and a five-bedroom apartment ready for police use, but there has been no deployment yet,” she added.
In response to the incident, the FCT Police Command issued a statement through its spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, confirming the abductions and detailing the ongoing efforts to address the crisis.
“On 27th January 2025, at about 1:00 A.M., the FCT Police Command received a distress call regarding a case of abduction and assault in the Chikakore community. FCT Police operatives were swiftly deployed to the scene. Preliminary investigations revealed that seven unknown men, disguised as vigilante members and armed with machetes and sticks, attacked the residence of the victim,” the statement read.
SP Adeh confirmed that a thorough search-and-rescue operation had commenced to secure the safe recovery of the abducted individuals and apprehend the criminals responsible. She further appealed to the public for assistance, urging anyone with relevant information to report to the police.
The command has also scheduled a meeting with community leaders to strengthen collaboration in curbing the resurgence of bandit attacks in the area.
Residents of Chikakore, however, remain anxious, calling for expedited measures to bolster security in their community. With insecurity threatening the lives of everyday Nigerians, the question remains: how soon will these victims return home safely, and will proactive measures be implemented to prevent future tragedies?
As Abuja grapples with this latest wave of violence, the eyes of the nation are firmly fixed on the FCT Police Command to deliver swift justice and restore calm to a community under siege.
PIONEER NEWS 