In a recent surge of insecurity, bandits targeted communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, abducting residents, including the two siblings of Bwari Area Council Chairman, John Gabaya.
Reports indicate that the criminals have contacted affected families, demanding millions in ransom for the release of the kidnapped individuals.
On January 4, 2024, the bandits attacked some communities around the area and kidnapped an undisclosed number of residents. The attacks extended beyond FCT, reaching Zuma in neighboring Niger State.
Among the abducted residents in the attack were two brothers of Hon. Gabaya, a police source told SaharaReporters.
He stated, “No place is safe again, especially those living in border FCT communities with other states. The rich are also afraid now. Two brothers of the Bwari Area Council Chairman were among the victims of the penultimate Wednesday’s attack and abduction.
“The hoodlums are already demanding millions in ransom to free them. Those low-value targets are the ones that had escaped and returned home.”
When contacted, Chairman Gabaya expressed the challenges of confirming or denying the incident due to security concerns. He emphasized the sensitivity of the matter, stating, “because I cannot communicate with a person on the phone that I don’t know because I don’t even know whether I’m even speaking with the kidnapper. So, those issues are sensitive issues that I cannot discuss on the telephone.”
The deteriorating security situation prompted the Council Chairman to schedule a security meeting with chiefs and stakeholders to address the growing concerns.
“We have a security meeting by 10 am with the chiefs and other stakeholders. The issue of kidnapping incident is one where the office of the Minister (FCT) has helped seriously on. The troops of the Nigerian Army, police, and every other security agency have surrounded all of Bwari, and they are helping.
“With the help of security that was given to us in Bwari, so many have escaped from the captivity. I think this is the only information I will be able to give you now.”