In a bold and audacious attack, terrorists struck in Abuja, and abducted the family of a senior Customs officer late Sunday morning.
Eyewitnesses reported that over 10 bandits arrived at the customs officer’s residence in Shagari Quarters, Dei-Dei, around 11:30 a.m., and headed straight to the compound.
They reportedly broke in and kidnapped the officer’s heavily pregnant wife, three of his children, and a younger brother.
The customs officer, who was not home during the attack, had previously worked with the police Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and had police protection until it was withdrawn following his deployment to Lagos, leaving his family vulnerable.
Sources claimed the bandits spent over two hours in the compound before moving to the neighboring Dakwa community, where they attempted to attack some houses but were repelled by security operatives.
The gunmen later released the pregnant woman but took the children and the younger brother with them.
In a conflicting statement, the FCT Police Command claimed the kidnapping was foiled, but sources close to the family revealed that the children and the younger brother remained in captivity.
Search operations are underway, and the bandits will be brought to justice, the police stated.
Despite the discrepancy, FCT Police Command spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, maintained the police’s position, saying: “In an immediate and strategic response to a distress call on the attack by unknown gunmen in Dawaki on May 19, 2024, at around 11:30 a.m., operatives of the FCT police command, led by Commissioner of Police Benneth Igweh, swiftly mobilized to the scene.”
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“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 battle as the hoodlums were overwhelmed by the firepower of the operatives, forcing them to scamper to safety with bullet 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, Igweh, reaffirms the command’s steadfast dedication to maintaining peace and security in the territory, as search operations are ongoing to rescue other hostages, who fled the scene during the shootout.”
The attack has heightened concerns about the security situation in the FCT, especially in the Dei-Dei area, which has recently experienced multiple kidnappings. Residents have urged the government to take swift action to address these security challenges.
Dr. Alhassan Babachukuri, the traditional ruler of Dakwa, expressed his distress over the bandits’ activities.
He mentioned that the bandits have established a base behind Zuma Rock in the Chachi community near Dakwa in neighboring Niger State.
He called on the government to act against the bandits before their activities escalate further. #Customs
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(VANGUARD)
