Panic In Abuja As Kidnappers Dressed In Military Uniform Go On Rampage

Panic In Abuja As Kidnappers Dressed In Military Uniform Go On Rampage

Abuja residents have expressed fears for their safety over the rising spate of kidnappings in the city.

9 people were abducted in Pegi community, in Kuje Area Council of the FCT on Monday by gunmen dressed in military camouflage.

Just a couple of days later, gunmen abducted Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Officer with his wife and son, right in his home at Dafara community in Kuje Area Council of the FCT.

Following these developments there has been palpable fear within the FCT with residents wondering who the next victim would be.

A resident ,who gave his name as Musa Abdullahi, said:

“Right now people are living in fear. No one trusts anyone anymore. Things were not like this before and we wonder what is responsible. We do not feel safe anymore.

“They keep giving us assurances but everyday we keep hearing these criminalities. Right now no one knows who the next victim will be.

“We cannot even sleep with our eyes closed anymore. The level of insecurity in Abuja has risen and it is almost a state of emergency that we have here right now. Something urgent must be done and must be done now. Let them identify what went wrong and fix it so we can be at rest,” he said.

Another resident, Florence Nwankwo, said:

“You can imagine a security personnel kidnapped right in his home. So what assurances do we have. If someone in security can be abducted what hope if there for us civilians.

“They are not even targeting just rich people, who even have security anymore. Right now they are going after anyone who can raise anything for them. They are going after anyone they can lay their hands on. You can imagine what that means for us. Who knows what they would do to victims who cannot afford ransom. It is frightening for us.”

A statement of assurance by the police has done little to assuage the frayed nerves of residents.

The statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Anjuguri Manzah, reads:

“The police are reassuring the public that it will not relent on its effort until the activities of these hoodlums and other crimes are permanently checked.”

According to him, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has commenced a joint counter operation against latest kidnapping in Abuja and its environs.

“The joint operation comprising the Police and other security agencies is also being extended to other identified black spots within the Federal Capital Territory.

“The operation is aimed at rescuing hostages, arresting the suspects and permanently checkmating the emerging security concerns especially around Kuje-Robuchi axis.

“As the security agencies are working assiduously to rescue the victims, residents are enjoined to be calm and support the ongoing operation with useful information.

“Further steps are also being made to engage relevant stakeholders in various communities as part of renewed effort to check this crime,” the statement read.