Gunmen Launch Dawn Raid on Abuja Community, Kidnap Family of Three, Two Others, Police Urge Vigilance

After a period of calm, gunmen suspected to be kidnappers launched a dawn attack on Chikota village in the Chikakore area of Kubwa, Bwari Area Council, in the Federal Capital Territory, abducting a family of three and two other individuals on Monday, January 27.

This incident marks a resurgence of kidnapping activities in the area.

The attack occurred at 12:00 am, leaving residents in a state of fear, shock and uncertainty.

The kidnappers, numbering about 30 and armed with AK-47 rifles, had stormed the residence of one Adefija Michael Akinropo in the community, and abducted him alongside his wife, son and elder brother.

The gunmen reportedly proceeded to a nearby building that housed a poultry farm, where they kidnapped a man and brutally assaulted his wife, leaving her injured.

Reacting to the incident, the FCT Police Command said in a statement by its spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh that the command received a distress call regarding the kidnapped individuals at about 1.00 am.

According to her, the command swiftly deployed operatives to the scene.

Preliminary investigations revealed that seven unidentified men, disguised as vigilante members and armed with machetes and sticks, carried out the attack on the victim’s residence, Adeh disclosed.

She said: “The suspects tricked the victim into opening his gate, and then swiftly abducted him along with three of his family members.

“A neighbour who attempted to intervene sustained injuries during the attack and was promptly rushed to Kubwa General Hospital for medical attention.

“The FCT Police Command has commenced a comprehensive search and rescue operation aimed at securing the safe recovery of the abducted victims and apprehending the perpetrators of this criminal act.

“The Command calls on residents of the Chikakore community and the general public to remain calm and vigilant.

“Any useful information that could assist the investigation and rescue efforts should be promptly reported to the police.

“The FCT Police Command can be reached via the emergency lines: 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653, and 08028940883. Residents can also report incidents through the Public Complaint Bureau (PCB) number: 09022222352.”