Residents seek intervention on kidnappings

Residents of Kugabonku and Paze communities in Byazhin Ward of Bwari Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed concern over recurring attacks by suspected bandits and kidnappers, calling for urgent intervention by security agencies. The appeal follows last Thursday’s attack on Paze community, during which suspected bandits killed a vigilante member, Yakubu […]

Residents of Kugabonku and Paze communities in Byazhin Ward of Bwari Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed concern over recurring attacks by suspected bandits and kidnappers, calling for urgent intervention by security agencies.

The appeal follows last Thursday’s attack on Paze community, during which suspected bandits killed a vigilante member, Yakubu Yerima, and abducted four residents, including a pastor.

Speaking with Abuja Metro on Monday, residents said the persistent wave of kidnappings has created fear and uncertainty in the communities, forcing some families to relocate to Bwari town for safety.

According to them, the attackers usually strike late at night when residents are asleep, while sporadic gunfire during the raids often throws the communities into panic.

A resident of Paze, Silas James, said the latest attack has left villagers living in fear, with many farmers now reluctant to visit their farms.

He alleged that the bandits often infiltrate the communities through neighbouring villages in Kaduna State before escaping with their victims.

According to him, local vigilantes have continued to make efforts to protect residents but are often overwhelmed by the superior weapons used by the criminals.

“During the recent attack, the vigilantes engaged the bandits, but they were overwhelmed because of the sophisticated weapons the attackers carried. Unfortunately, one of the vigilante members was killed,” he said.

Another resident, Mr. Julius Madaki of Kugabonku community, said many residents can no longer sleep peacefully due to the constant threat of abduction.

He added that parents now fear sending their children to school, while economic activities in the area have been severely disrupted.

“The situation has become so dire that many of us are afraid to leave our homes. Our children can hardly go to school, and many businesses have either shut down or scaled back operations because of insecurity,” he said.

Madaki appealed to the government and security agencies to establish a permanent security outpost between the two communities to enhance surveillance and rapid response to attacks.

“We are pleading with the government and security agencies to take urgent action to secure our communities and bring an end to these kidnappings. We cannot continue to live in fear and insecurity,” he added.

Also speaking, a community leader in Paze, Mr. Yohana Musa Baba, lamented the increasing cases of abduction, noting that several lives had been lost as a result of the attacks.

He called for intensified security patrols and proactive measures to identify and apprehend informants believed to be aiding the criminals.

“I believe these kidnappers cannot successfully invade our communities without receiving information from insiders. We are appealing to security agencies to investigate and apprehend those collaborating with them,” he said.

 

 

He expressed optimism that decisive action by security operatives would restore peace and confidence among residents.

 

 

“We believe that with prompt and decisive intervention, our communities can once again become safe places for our families and children,” he added.

 

 

Meanwhile, the FCT Police Command has launched a new security outfit known as the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) to tackle rising cases of kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes across the territory.

 

 

The Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, said the establishment of the unit was informed by increasing reports of kidnappings and related crimes, particularly in communities around the Byazhin axis of Bwari Area Council.

 

 

Residents have expressed hope that the initiative will strengthen security operations and help curb the activities of kidnappers and bandits in the affected communities.