The dare devil bandits have once again attacked in the nation’s capital, Abuja, kidnapping the wife of a senior customs officer, his three children and younger brother on Sunday.
According to eyewitnesses, the bandits, numbering about 10, arrived at the residence of the customs officer in Shagari Quarters, Dei-Dei, around 11:30am. On getting there, they made their way straight to the compound officer’s compound.
The account maintained that the bandits reportedly abducted the officer’s wife, who is heavily pregnant, three of his children, and a younger brother.
According to the eyewitness, the customs officer, was not at home during the attack. He was said to have previously worked with the Police Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and therefore, had enjoyed police protection.
“However, the protection was withdrawn after his deployment to Lagos. Therefore, leaving his family vulnerable to the attack.
The source claimed that the bandits spent over two hours in the compound before proceeding to neighbouring Dakwa Community. At Dakwa, their attempt to attack some houses were repelled by security operatives.
It was also gathered that the gunmen, however, later released the pregnant woman. But they took the children and the younger brother of the Custom officer with them.
But in a contradictory statement, while confirming the incident, the FCT Police Command claimed that the kidnapping was foiled.
Sources close to the family insisted that the children and the younger brother of the officer are still in captivity.
But the discrepancy, notwithstanding, the police maintained their stance.
In a statement issued by the FCT Police Command Spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, on Monday confirmed the police stand.
It read in part: “In an immediate and strategic response to a distress call on the attack by unknown gunmen in Dawaki on May 19, 2024, at around 11:30am, the operatives of the FCT Police Command led by the Commissioner of Police, CP Benneth C. Igweh, himself, swiftly mobilized to the scene.
“Displaying remarkable bravery and coordination, the Police, in synergy with local hunters, advanced on the assailants. Tactically ambushing them at Ushafa Hill via Bwari and Shishipe Hills via Mpape.
“This led to a fierce gun duel as the hoodlums were overwhelmed by the firepower of the operatives. This forced them to scamper to safety with various degrees of bullets injuries, and the victims were rescued.
“While one of the rescued victims is still in the hospital receiving medical attention, the Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh, reaffirms the command’s steadfast dedication to maintaining peace and security in the Territory.
The statement maintained that search operations are ongoing to rescue other hostages who fled the scene during the shootout.”
However, the recent attack has raised concerns about the security situation in the FCT, particularly in the Dei-Dei axis.
Recall that axis has lately, witnessed several kidnappings incidents.
Therefore, residents in the area have called on the Government to take urgent action to address the security challenges.
The traditional ruler of Dakwa, Dr. Alhassan Musa Babachukuri, lamented the activities of the bandits.
The Traditional Ruler pointed that bandits have created a base behind the Zuma Rock in Chachi Community near Dakwa in neighbouring Niger State.
Babachukuri, therefore, called on the Federal Government to take serious action against the bandits before they escalate their activities.
According to Vanguard, the FCT Police Command have launched an investigation into the incident. They, therefore, have assured residents in the area of Police commitment to ensuring the safety and security of live and property.
source: Vanguard
