The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), particularly the areas of Bwari and Dei Dei, has witnessed a distressing surge in bandit attacks and kidnappings, with over 96 individuals abducted in the past 21 days.
Residents in the areas are now living in constant fear as the criminal elements continue to terrorize their communities.
The most recent incident occurred on January 1, 2024, at approximately 11:30 pm when a high-ranking official of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) and several family members, including his wife and a child, were abducted.
This marked another grim chapter in a series of attacks that commenced on December 9, 2023, when 23 residents in Dei-Dei were kidnapped from their homes.
The Mai Unguwar Dei-Dei, Ibrahim Galadima, confirmed the December 9 incident, stating that security vigilantes in the area were able to rescue seven victims about an hour after the abduction.
Galadima suggested that the kidnappers may have released the victims upon sensing the presence of security personnel during their escape into the bush.
As of December 24, 2023, Bwari alone reported 25 abductions, with three lives lost during the attacks.
The violence escalated on December 23, as bandits invaded the Garam community, resulting in the tragic death of a pastor associated with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and the abduction of 13 individuals.
Subsequent attacks on Kuduru and Ahzu on December 28 and 29 led to further casualties and abductions, with residents revealing that the assailants often strike between 11 pm and 11:30 pm.
Leadership reports that residents are alleging collusion between the bandits and security agencies, pointing out that military personnel were reportedly deployed just meters away from the bandit attack on January 1.