During a bold and audacious incident, thieves carried out an attack in Abuja, kidnapping the family of a senior Customs officer just before noon on Sunday. Witnesses reported that the thieves, numbering more than 10, arrived at the Customs officer’s residence in Shagari Quarters, Dei-Dei, around 11:30 a.m. and went straight into the compound. They forcibly took the officer’s pregnant wife, three of his children, and a younger brother.
The Customs officer, who was absent at the time of the attack, had previously served with the police Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and had received police protection.
After being reassigned to Lagos, the officer’s security detail was removed, leaving his family susceptible to such an attack.
Reports suggest that the thieves spent over two hours on the property before moving on to the nearby Dakwa community. They tried to raid some houses there but were repelled by security forces. The pregnant woman was later released by the gunmen, but the children and the younger brother remained in their captivity.
Contrary to the statement by the FCT Police Command that the kidnapping attempt was thwarted, sources close to the family revealed that the children and the younger brother were still being held captive.
Efforts are currently underway to locate the perpetrators and bring them to justice, as declared by the police.
Despite differing accounts, the police stand by their version, with the FCT Police Command spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, stating in a recent release: “Responding promptly to a distress call concerning an attack by unidentified gunmen in Dawaki on May 19, 2024, around 11:30 am, FCT police operatives under the leadership of Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh, swiftly mobilized to the scene.
“Exhibiting gallantry and effective coordination, the police, alongside local hunters, engaged the attackers, tactically ambushing them at Ushafa Hill via Bwari and Shishipe Hills via Mpape. This resulted in a fierce confrontation as the criminals were outmatched by the officers, leading them to flee to safety with gunshot wounds, and the victims were rescued.
“While one victim is still under medical observation at the hospital, Commissioner of Police Igweh reaffirms the command’s unwavering commitment to upholding peace and security in the territory, as search operations continue to secure the release of other hostages who escaped during the gunfight.”
This attack has heightened concerns about the security situation in the FCT, particularly in the Dei-Dei area, which has experienced numerous kidnapping incidents as of late.
Local residents are urging the government to take immediate action to tackle the security issues in the region.
Dakwa’s traditional leader, Dr. Alhassan Babachukuri, deplored the actions of the bandits, who he claimed had established a base behind Zuma Rock in the Chachi community near Dakwa in neighboring Niger State.
He urged authorities to intervene swiftly against the criminals before their activities escalated further.
From: Nwakaji Peace Martins
