The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), specifically Bwari and Dei Dei, is grappling with a disturbing escalation of bandit attacks and kidnappings, with over 96 individuals abducted within the past 21 days.
Residents in these areas are now living in constant fear as criminal elements continue to terrorize their communities.
The latest incident occurred on January 1, 2024, at around 11:30 pm, when a high-ranking official of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) and several family members, including his wife and a child, were abducted.
This marked another grim chapter in a series of attacks that began on December 9, 2023, when 23 residents in Dei-Dei were kidnapped from their homes.
Mai Unguwar Dei-Dei, Ibrahim Galadima, confirmed the December 9 incident, revealing that security vigilantes were able to rescue seven victims about an hour after the abduction.
Galadima suggested that the kidnappers may have released the victims upon sensing the presence of security personnel during their escape into the bush.
As of December 24, 2023, Bwari alone reported 25 abductions, with three lives lost during the attacks.
The violence intensified on December 23, as bandits invaded the Garam community, resulting in the tragic death of a pastor associated with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and the abduction of 13 individuals.
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Subsequent attacks on Kuduru and Ahzu on December 28 and 29 led to further casualties and abductions, with residents revealing that assailants often strike between 11 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.
Leadership News reports that there are allegations from residents of collusion between the bandits and security agencies, pointing out that military personnel were reportedly deployed just meters away from the bandit attack on January 1.