Tragedy has struck the Chikakore community in Kubwa, located in the Bwari Council Area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, as one of five kidnapped residents has been found dead. Sources revealed that the victim’s lifeless body was discovered on a roadside in Niger State during an ongoing rescue operation.
The incident occurred late Sunday night when gunmen stormed the Health Centre extension area of Chikakore at approximately 11 p.m. Armed bandits abducted five individuals, including a man identified as Adesiyan Akinropo, his wife, son, their guest, and a neighbour. The attack left another woman injured after she was struck on the head with a gun, causing severe bleeding. She was rushed to the hospital for urgent treatment.
Local residents have voiced frustration over the delayed response from the police, as officers from the Byzahin Division reportedly arrived over an hour after the attackers had fled. Community members are now pleading for better security measures, including the deployment of a dedicated police division to the area. One resident highlighted that land and a fully built five-bedroom apartment have already been made available to accommodate law enforcement, but no officers have been stationed in the community.
On Monday, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command confirmed the abduction and the death of one of the victims. The Command disclosed that a search-and-rescue operation is underway while investigations into the case continue. However, discrepancies remain, as police officials stated that four people were kidnapped, contrary to the residents’ claims of five abductees.
Read also: Police launch operation to rescue abducted Abuja residents
In a statement issued by SP Josephine Adeh, the FCT Police Command spokesperson, it was revealed that the attackers, armed with machetes and sticks, used deception to gain access to the victims’ homes. The bandits reportedly disguised themselves and tricked the family into opening their gate before launching the attack. The statement added that the injured neighbour who tried to intervene was rushed to Kubwa General Hospital for medical attention.
The police have assured residents of their commitment to rescue the victims and apprehend the culprits. They have urged the public to remain calm and to provide any information that could aid in their efforts.
This latest attack has amplified fears about escalating insecurity in Chikakore, with residents calling on authorities to prioritize the establishment of a dedicated police division in the area. As frustration grows, the community hopes for swift action to curb the rising wave of violence and restore safety.
