Residents of Peze community in the Byazhi axis of Kubwa, located within Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), are grappling with fear and uncertainty after a violent kidnapping incident left at least 16 people in the hands of armed attackers.
The late-night raid, which occurred on Tuesday, has intensified concerns about growing insecurity around Abuja’s suburban communities.
Local sources said the attackers, who were heavily armed, stormed the neighborhood between about 9:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Witnesses believe the gunmen carefully planned the operation and used a nearby unfinished building as a staging point before moving into the residential area.
One resident explained that the men gathered quietly in the abandoned structure opposite his home before launching their assault.
According to him, the attackers began approaching houses one after another, banging loudly on doors and attempting to force entry.
“They tried to get people to respond so they could gain access,” the resident said.
“Their strategy is simple. Once someone answers or shows movement, they break windows and enter the house.”
Residents said the gunmen also shouted threats, warning occupants that refusal to open their doors could lead to deadly consequences.
Many households remained silent inside their homes out of fear, hoping the attackers would eventually move on.
When the assailants failed to enter certain homes, they reportedly shifted their attention to other buildings in the area where they successfully abducted several people.
By the time the attackers retreated, a total of 16 residents had been taken away, making it one of the most alarming kidnapping incidents reported in the community in recent months.
Among those abducted were four children belonging to a local pastor. Community members said the cleric was not at home when the attack occurred, leaving the children vulnerable when the gunmen broke into the residence.
A resident who later spoke with the pastor said he had stepped out briefly before the attackers struck.
“He told me he was not at home when it happened. When he started hearing that armed men were moving around the area, he rushed back immediately,” the resident explained.
However, by the time the pastor returned, the attackers had already carried out their plan. Four of his children had been taken away, while the youngest child was left behind in the house.
The kidnapping operation also affected the household of a vigilante commander known for helping coordinate local security efforts against criminals.
Residents said the commander had just stepped out of his home shortly before the attack escalated.
According to a witness, a neighbor quickly contacted the vigilante leader after noticing suspicious movement in the area.
The commander reportedly rushed toward the location mentioned by the caller, unaware that the attackers had already positioned themselves around his own residence.
While trying to return home, the vigilante commander reportedly encountered the armed men on the road. Residents said the gunmen opened fire, forcing him to retreat for safety.
The attackers then stormed his house and abducted his wife as well as her younger sister, who had reportedly arrived to visit the family only a few days earlier.
Neighbors disclosed that the woman had given birth less than 40 days before the incident.
Despite the brutality of the kidnapping, the attackers left the newborn baby behind in the house. A resident said the woman had been preparing a meal before she was taken away.
“They even ate the food she had cooked before leaving with her,” the source said, describing the disturbing scene discovered afterward.
Security operatives reportedly arrived in the community after receiving reports about the attack. However, by the time they reached the area, the gunmen had already escaped with the victims.
Families of those abducted later began receiving phone calls from the criminals, who demanded ransom payments in exchange for the victims’ freedom.
Residents say the kidnapping has thrown the entire community into anxiety, with many people afraid to sleep at night.
Peze community has experienced several security incidents in recent weeks, raising alarm among residents about the growing presence of criminal groups around Kubwa and neighboring districts.
Community members recalled a similar abduction that occurred on January 4, which prompted residents to organize local vigilante patrols to support security agencies.
Despite those efforts, the latest kidnapping attack has shown that criminal gangs are still able to infiltrate the area.
Many residents are now appealing to authorities in the Federal Capital Territory to urgently strengthen security in the district.
They are asking for increased patrols, improved intelligence gathering, and stronger collaboration with local security volunteers.
Community leaders argue that without decisive action, suburban settlements around Abuja may remain vulnerable to repeated attacks.
Ireport247news
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