In recent times, fear and uncertainty have gripped the residents of Bwari, Ushafa, and surrounding areas within the Bwari Area Council of Abuja, as a wave of ruthless banditry and kidnapping wreaks havoc in the region. The untold violence unleashed by these assailants has sent shockwaves through these communities, leaving a trail of devastation and heartache.
Reports indicate that the audacious bandits have carried out a series of deadly attacks, including the abduction of seven family members from Zuma 1 in the Bwari central ward. During this incident, a man identified as Alhaji tragically lost his life in a fierce gun battle between the gunmen and the Nigeria Police. Additionally, several residents were forcibly taken by the marauding bandits, while at least two police officers sustained severe injuries.
Prior to this horrifying event, Barangoni, also situated in the Bwari central ward, fell victim to the bloodthirsty bandits, resulting in the abduction of multiple individuals and a vigilante member sustaining life-threatening injuries. This pattern of violence persisted as Garam, Kuduru, and Azu communities faced an onslaught, with indiscriminate shooting and the abduction of several residents, seemingly unchecked by the local security presence.
The relentless attacks have precipitated a climate of fear and forced some residents to flee their homes, seeking refuge from the incessant bloodshed and abductions. Notably, even communities bordering the Bwari area, including Ushafa, have not escaped the terror, with a recent incident involving the abduction of residents near the Jordan FM and sighting of bandits in the vicinity of the LEA Primary School, exacerbating the prevailing climate of fear and insecurity.
Moreover, the impact of these horrifying events has reverberated beyond the immediate communities, as evidenced by the partial shutdown of the General Hospital in Bwari, as medical personnel and staff grapple with the looming threat of abduction, resulting in disrupted healthcare services for the populace.
These appalling acts of violence have also encroached upon educational institutions, with Veritas University, located in the Bwari area, bearing the brunt of the bandits’ nefarious activities. The grim culmination of these events led to the closure of the university, following a series of fatal attacks and the tragic loss of soldiers in an ambush near the institution.
As the specter of insecurity looms large, the residents clamor for urgent intervention to stem the tide of terror that has engulfed their communities. Their pleas for enhanced security measures, including the deployment of more soldiers and security personnel, reflect the profound sense of vulnerability and desperation in the face of unrelenting violence.
In response to these harrowing developments, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, sought to allay fears and cautioned against the dissemination of unverified information. Highlighting the Commissioner of Police’s proactive steps, including engaging with community leaders and deploying additional personnel, she acknowledged the persistent concerns regarding security lapses and perceived inactivity.
The mounting anguish and turmoil experienced by the residents of Bwari, Ushafa, and surrounding communities serve as a stark reminder of the escalating threat posed by the brazen activities of these bandits. Their unyielding campaign of terror has exacted a heavy toll on the lives and livelihoods of innocent individuals, underscoring the urgent imperative for concerted and decisive action to restore peace and security to these beleaguered communities.
