Just In: Gunshots as Kidnappers Attack Top Abuja Estate, Abduct Resident, "We are Begging"

• Suspected kidnappers invaded Grow Homes Estate within the Chikakore axis in the Kubwa area of Abuja, holding residents hostage for at least an hour
• A resident in the area disclosed that he saw a man and a woman being taken away by the armed kidnappers
• Police officers exchanged gunfire with the attackers for about 40 minutes, and rescued one of the victims

FCT, Abuja - Some kidnappers on Monday morning, May 26, stormed Grow Homes Estate in Abuja, seizing a resident.

As reported by Vanguard, terrified residents disclosed that the incident happened between 12 am and 1:30 am in the community which is within Chikakore axis of Kubwa, Abuja’s largest suburban town.

A resident who confirmed seeing a man and a woman taken away by the kidnappers said at daybreak, the woman was later found within the estate, having been freed by her abductors for unknown reasons. He, however, could not ascertain the number of abducted individuals.

He divulged:

“The incident happened around 12 am. Those guys were well-armed, and they overpowered the local vigilance team. The police came at about 1 am, and there was a fierce exchange of gunfire for about 30 minutes.

“We are begging the government to fix this road for easy access for security patrol vehicles. We also beg the police and, of course, the FCT Administration to help site a station here for rapid response."

Police confirm Abuja attack

Meanwhile, Josephine Adeh, the federal capital territory (FCT) police spokesperson, said one resident was kidnapped.

Daily Trust quoted Adeh as saying:

“The responding police officers exchanged gunfire with the attackers for about 40 minutes, and rescued one of the victims, identified as Chinyere Joe. Unfortunately, the attackers escaped with the second victim.

“The Command’s Anti-Kidnapping unit in collaboration with the army and other security operatives has since launched an operation to track down the fleeing suspects and ensure the safe rescue of the remaining abducted victim."

Kidnappings plague Nigeria amid hardship

Legit.ng reports that kidnapping cases have become a prevalent issue in Abuja and Nigeria, with numerous incidents of helpless citizens being held for ransom, despite the country having one of the strongest armies in West Africa.

Across the nation, targeting of vulnerable populations has been widespread, including kidnappings for ransom or to pressure the government to meet the aggressors’ demands. Experts also say that worsening economic conditions have led to an increase in abductions for ransom over the last five years.

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DSS arrests notorious kidnappers in Abuja

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that security operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) apprehended three individuals linked to kidnapping and banditry.

The arrest took place at the Hajj camp in Abuja during the routine screening of intending pilgrims scheduled for airlift to Saudi Arabia.

The suspects had been on the run following an intense manhunt initiated by law enforcement agencies.

Source: Legit.ng