A violent attack by a group of at least 20 armed bandits in Chikakore, Kubwa, Abuja, on Sunday night left five residents abducted, including a family of three and a visiting guest. The assault, which occurred around 11 pm, targeted the Health Centre extension area of the community.
Among the victims were Adesiyan Akinropo, his wife, their son, and a visitor. Another neighbour was also taken, bringing the total number of abductees to five. The attackers wreaked havoc during the ordeal, with one woman suffering a severe head injury after being struck with a gun butt. She was rushed to the hospital, bleeding profusely from the injury.
According to police sources, the Byzahin division operatives were alerted to the incident, but by the time they arrived on the scene, the bandits had already fled with their captives. This delayed police response has intensified local concerns over the safety of the community. Residents expressed frustration over the police’s 90-minute delayed reaction time, which they say could have been critical in preventing further harm or aiding a quicker rescue.
One resident lamented, “The bandits have resumed attacks in Chikakore. We need a police division here in this community. We have land and a five-bedroom apartment already built to accommodate the police, but there is no deployment yet.” This plea reflects the growing sense of vulnerability felt by Chikakore’s residents who believe that the lack of police presence in the area is exacerbating the security challenges they face.
The incident follows another unsettling attack earlier in January, when bandits fleeing from Katsina State detonated explosives near an Islamic school in Kuchibuyi, Bwari Area Council. The blast resulted in the loss of two lives, highlighting the persistent security challenges that have plagued the region.
Despite multiple attempts to reach the spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, Josephine Adeh, for a statement on the recent attack, calls remained unanswered. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this latest kidnapping, there is growing pressure for swift action to ensure the safety of Chikakore and other vulnerable areas in the FCT.
