Gunmen have abducted 16 residents, including the wife of a local vigilante commander, her younger sister, and four children of a pastor, in a late-night attack on Peze community in Kubwa, Abuja.
The attackers, who were heavily armed, Diaspora Digital Media understand, moved from house to house, forcing their way in and threatening to kill anyone who refused to open their doors.
One resident said the attackers had first gathered inside an uncompleted building opposite his residence before carrying out the attack.
“They actually came to my house on Tuesday. One of my neighbours was watching them from the window. They had gathered in an uncompleted building opposite my house, so they didn’t know someone was observing them,” the resident said.
“They started banging on my door and moving around the house, shouting to see if anyone would react. The way they operate is that once you respond, they break the window to gain entry.”
According to the resident, the gunmen also threatened to kill occupants who refused to open their doors.
“They will tell you that if you don’t open the door, they will break in through the window and kill everyone inside,” he said.
The community has experienced multiple kidnapping incidents recently, prompting locals to organize vigilante patrols.
The incident has sparked concerns over security in the Federal Capital Territory, with residents calling for increased security presence and decisive action to curb kidnappings.
The police have been informed, and efforts are underway to track the attackers and secure the release of the abducted victims.
