Kidnappers storm Abuja, abduct family of four

From Molly Kilete, Abuja

Suspected kidnappers early yesterday morning invaded Chikakore community, Kubwa, Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, and abducted four family members.

Residents of the community said the assailants who arrived the area in large numbers; armed with sophisticated weapons,were  shooting sporadically to scare away residents from resisting them.

One of the residents,said: “The attack happened this morning, but for now, we have only been able to confirm the abduction of four persons.”

FCT  Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO),Josephine Adeh, said gunmen disguised themselves as local  vigilance members to deceive residents before carrying out the attack.

Adeh, who confirmed the attack, said that the four abducted persons were from the same family, and that a neighbour who tried to intervene sustained injuries and he was rushed to  Kubwa General hospital.

Adeh, in a statement, said,“On January 17,2025, at about 1:00 am, the FCT police command received a distress call regarding a case of abduction and assault in the Chikakore community. Operatives were swiftly deployed to the scene.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that seven unknown men, disguised as vigilante members and armed with machetes and sticks, attacked the residence of the victim. “The suspects deceived the Victim into opening his gate, after which they abducted him and three members of his family. A neighbour, who attempted to intervene, sustained injuries during the attack and was promptly rushed to Kubwa General hospital for medical attention.

“The  Command has commenced  comprehensive search and rescue operation aimed at securing the safe rescue  of the abducted victims and apprehending the perpetrators of this criminal act.

“The FCT police command calls on residents of  Chikakore community and the general public to remain calm and vigilant. Any useful information that could assist the investigation and rescue efforts should be promptly communicated  to the police.

“The  command can be reached via the emergency lines: 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653 and 08028940883. Residents can also report incidents through the Public Complaint Bureau (PCB) number: 09022222352.”