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From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has debunked rumours making the rounds in the social media on the mass movement of bandits into the FCT.
The bandits, said to be led by one Ardo, a sub commander of Boderi Yellow Mai One million, are said to be relocating from Kweri forest Kagarko, Kaduna State to Gauraka/Kubwa Hills, FCT.
News of the bandit’s movement, which has sent fears into residents of the affected area, went viral on the social media by concerned citizens, alerting the security agencies and residents to be vigilant.
The message, which was sent to various groups’ WhatsApp platforms, reads: “Sir, following the escape of one Inusa Lawal, male, 18 years, from the camp (picture attached). He was one of those kidnapped in Ushafa along with others, at Dawaki, on 19/05/2024. He escaped from their custody, today, 2/6/2024, at about 06:00hrs.
“During interrogation, he confirmed that the bandits had 10 hostages, including him, in their camp. He also said the victims kidnapped from Dawaki and Dakwa are all in the camp. Intelligence from our sources confirmed that Ardo had led 10 of his gang members from the camp to FCT since yesterday night. Their mission in FCT is not clear, however, in view of the above, there is a need for security forces to collaborate in the operation already in place to the hills (Kubwa-Gauraka Hills), today.”
We also recommend that security agencies intensify patrols across locations in and around the Bwari area council.
“In view of this movement, it is clear that Ardo and his gang have potential targets in Kubwa, Zuba and Mpape General Area. Additional sources confirmed that Ardo is frustrated that the families of the victims refused to pay the ransom demanded by them. They are really in need of funds for the upcoming Sallah, the reason why they are now becoming more desperate”.
But, in a swift reaction, the FCT police commissioner, Benneth Igwe, while assuring residents of their safety, said the command has made all necessary deployments of both material and physical assets, and is working assiduously to avert any intended attack within the nation’s capital.
He commended residents for being vigilant and urged them to go about their lawful business without fear from any quarters. Igwe, in a statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, said: “The attention of the FCT Police Command has been drawn to a publication making the rounds on social media on the alleged entry of some suspected bandits into the Federal Capital Territory.
“Consequent to the above, the Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh, wishes to appreciate members of the public for their outstanding environmental alertness, and admonishes the general public to always give useful information to the police, to aid its efforts in the fight against insecurity within the state.
