Residents of a community in Abuja are living in fear after armed bandits attacked the area, killed a local security guard, and kidnapped four people, including a pastor and an 11-year-old boy.
The attack happened in the early hours of Thursday in Paze Community, located around the Byazhin area of Kubwa in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to residents, the gunmen stormed the neighbourhood shortly after midnight. During the attack, they shot and killed a local vigilante, identified as Shuaibu Yerima, who was helping to secure the community.
The attackers then abducted four residents. Those taken include Pastor Francis Oriade, Jewel Obeh, Friday Isaac, and a young boy named Delight Okeke.
Family members said the gunmen forced their way into homes through windows after failing to gain access through the doors. Witnesses explained that the attackers moved from house to house, demanding money and valuables before taking their victims away.
One resident said the kidnappers tied up family members and threatened them with guns. Another victim’s relative revealed that the attackers initially wanted to take a young girl but later chose to kidnap her father instead.
Residents also expressed concern over the response to the incident. Some claimed security operatives arrived after the kidnappers had left the area.
The latest attack comes just days after another reported kidnapping in a nearby community, raising fresh concerns about insecurity in parts of the FCT.
Meanwhile, police authorities have confirmed the incident and said efforts are ongoing to rescue the victims and track down those responsible for the attack.
The tragic incident has renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect communities and prevent further attacks on residents.
