In a shocking development, a 16-year-old boy and six young girls were abducted by armed bandits during a late-night raid in Gidan-Bijimi, a community located in Kawu ward of the Bwari Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to Instablog9ja on Facebook, the attack occurred around 9:47 p.m., according to reports from residents. Eyewitnesses said heavily armed men, wielding AK-47 rifles, stormed two homes in the community and forcibly took the victims while firing indiscriminately. The sudden raid threw the entire village into panic as residents scrambled to safety.
Residents Describe Chaos and Fear
Suleiman Shuaibu, a resident of Kawu, confirmed the incident and described the chaos that ensued. “Local vigilantes tried to resist the bandits, but they had superior firepower, forcing the vigilantes to retreat. It was terrifying,” he said.
He further revealed that the abducted girls are between the ages of 17 and 23, adding a personal note: “A call came around 9:53 p.m. reporting the invasion, and sadly, my cousin sister was among those kidnapped.”
Following the attack, many residents reportedly fled Gidan-Bijimi, fearing further violence. As of the time of reporting, no ransom demands have been made, and there has been no contact with the abductors. Attempts to reach SP Josephine Adeh, the FCT Police Command spokesperson, were unsuccessful as calls and messages went unanswered.
Security Challenges in Border Communities
The incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in the Federal Capital Territory, especially in areas near the borders of Kaduna State. Gidan-Bijimi shares a boundary with Marke village in Kaduna, making it a vulnerable target for banditry.
This latest abduction comes just two days after FCT Minister Nyesom Wike directed security agencies to intensify surveillance along Abuja’s borders. In response, a joint security operation involving the police, Department of State Services (DSS), military, and other agencies was deployed across the territory to curb rising criminal activities.
Authorities Respond to Rising Crime
FCT Police Commissioner Miller G. Dantawaye had earlier charged the security teams to work in close coordination to eliminate crime, assuring that the minister had provided adequate logistics to support these operations. Despite these measures, incidents like the Gidan-Bijimi abduction underscore the persistent threats facing communities on the outskirts of Abuja.
Residents have expressed concerns about their safety, calling on both local authorities and security agencies to step up patrols and provide reassurance to vulnerable communities. Many fear that without increased security presence, such attacks could become more frequent.
Expert Insights on Bandit Tactics
Security experts note that bandits in the region often target remote areas late at night when residents are less able to defend themselves. The use of heavy firearms like AK-47s further complicates efforts by local vigilantes and police to confront the attackers.
Families Await News of Victims
As investigations continue, families of the victims are anxiously awaiting news of their safe return. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether any leads have been established or if a rescue operation is underway.
The Gidan-Bijimi abduction is a stark reminder of the urgent need for coordinated and sustained security measures in the FCT, particularly in border communities vulnerable to criminal attacks.