In the early hours of Sunday, bandits abducted five individuals from Shagari Quarters in Dei-Dei, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria. Among the abductees are three children and a younger brother of a senior customs officer. The officer’s heavily pregnant wife, initially taken, was later released.
Incident Details
Vigilante sources in the community revealed that the bandits arrived around noon, heading straight to the residence of the customs officer. They spent over two hours in the compound before proceeding to the neighboring Dakwa community.
The officer, who previously worked in Abuja with the police Rapid Response Squad (RRS), has since been redeployed to Lagos, though his family continues to reside in Dei-Dei. The RRS vehicles that once parked around his house are no longer present, possibly making his home an easier target.
Bandits’ Movements and Confrontation
After the abduction, the bandits attempted to attack additional houses in Dakwa town. However, they were met with fierce resistance from security forces, leading to a fire exchange that forced the bandits to retreat. The Chief of Dakwa, Dr. Alhassan Musa Babachukuri, confirmed the attempted attack and the ensuing confrontation.
Base of Operations
Dr. Babachukuri disclosed that the bandits have established a base behind Zuma Rock in Chachi community near Dakwa, which is close to the forests around Bwari in neighboring Niger State. He urged the government to take decisive action against the bandits to prevent further escalation of their activities.
Official Response
The FCT police command spokeswoman, SP Josephine Adeh, has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the incident. The community remains on high alert, with local leaders calling for enhanced security measures to protect residents and prevent future abductions.
Community Impact
The abduction has heightened fears and insecurity within the community, highlighting the persistent threat posed by bandits in the region. Residents are urging the authorities to strengthen security and improve surveillance to safeguard the area and prevent further incidents.
This incident underscores the urgent need for coordinated efforts between local vigilantes, traditional rulers, and security forces to tackle the growing menace of banditry in the FCT and surrounding areas.
