Najeebah’s killing, abduction of 23 people… top kidnap cases in Abuja in 2024

The alarming increase in kidnappings in Nigeria has sparked fear and concern among residents across the country. In recent weeks, several incidents have occurred, highlighting the need for urgent intervention from authorities. 

In this story, Crispng.com explores four separate incidents of abductions in different areas across Federal Capital Territory (FCT), shedding light on the terrifying ordeals faced by victims and the urgent call for action to address this escalating issue.

Armed men abduct 9, including mother and children at Sagwari layout estate

In a horrifying incident on Sunday, January 7, armed men invade Sagwari Layout Estate in Dutse, Bwari Area Council, at 7:30 p.m. The assailants, dressed in military uniforms, abducted nine individuals, including a mother and her four children. 

Shockingly, the armed men then proceeded to a nearby hotel, where they kidnapped a receptionist and a barman. While the victims were tormented, one of the security guards, named John, managed to escape. Recounting the traumatic experience, John described how the gunmen broke into the estate by breaking the fence and ultimately fled through a mountain.

Nigerian Army, two residents, including lawyer’s wife abducted

On Thursday, January 18, gunmen targeted the Nigerian Army Post Housing Estate in Kurudu, FCT, unleashing a wave of terror. At around 10:00 p.m., the kidnappers fired shots into the air before fleeing with their victims. 

Despite the swift response from soldiers, the abductors managed to escape. Distressed residents expressed their concerns over the escalating kidnappings in the capital, urging intervention from the authorities. The residents even called upon President Tinubu to take action. 

Gunmen abduct 23 persons in Bwari Area Council

In yet another brazen act, gunmen seized 23 individuals in Kawu, Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory. The abduction unfolded on Thursday in a community bordering Niger and Kaduna States. 

According to Abdulmumini Zakari, the deputy speaker and Councillor of the area, approximately 40 assailants infiltrated through Kuyeri Forest in Kaduna. Operating in groups, they targeted the district head’s palace and abducted his son and wife. 

Further victims included Alhassan Kawu and the Sarkin Pawan Kawu, along with their family members. The scale of this incident highlights the audacity and organized nature of these criminal groups.

Bandits shoot two Policemen and kidnap 7 family members

The Bwari Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory has witnessed a surge in bandit attacks in recent days. On a fateful day, armed bandits shot two policemen and kidnapped seven family members, including Mansoor Kadriyar and his five children. 

However, amidst the chaos, a courageous man named Alhaji led the police in thwarting the heinous act.  Tragically, Alhaji was shot dead by the bandits during the operation. 

Abdulfatai Kadriyar, Mansoor’s brother, also lost his life in the violent encounter. And one among the sisters kidnapped by the bandits ‘Naheeba’ was reportedly killed by her abductors.

This incident further underscores the urgent need for collaboration between council authorities and security forces to address the escalating kidnappings and restore peace to the besieged communities in Bwari.

Wike’s promise

In August 2023, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, entrusted with securing Abuja, vowed to address the declining safety under the directive of President Bola Tinubu. 

Emphasizing the urgency, Wike asserted that providing essential tools and logistics for security agencies was their responsibility, expecting tangible results. Acknowledging the escalating security concerns, he declared a commitment to fortify Abuja, stating, “If we don’t safeguard this place, then we are in trouble.” 

Wike’s mission, sanctioned by the president, aimed to tackle the pressing security issues, ensuring the capital’s status as one of the safest places for its residents.

“The issue of security is germane for us, as Mr President has told me that whatever is required, we must ensure that Abuja is safe.

“Security has gone down. And this is supposed to be one of the safest places for people to be in. So, the issue of security must be tackled, as we are ready to provide the necessary logistics to all the security agencies, in order to do their work.

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“We know the problems, but we cannot go and identify the criminals, it is their duty, our own duty is to provide them with the necessary tools, and I don’t want any excuses. So, what we want is the result, and that must be done. If we don’t safeguard this place, then we are in trouble,” he said.