- We’re committed to rescuing kidnap victims – Police
Residents of the Federal Capital Territory have expressed worry over incessant kidnappings, saying they could no longer sleep with their two eyes closed or walk about freely.
Bandits have been making inroads into the FCT as attackers reportedly sneak into the communities through river or bush paths from neighbouring Niger and Kaduna States, where they have established camps, a situation that often leaves little or no chance for the security operatives manning the checkpoints to notice their arrival.
The attacks became rampant from November last year, according to sources, leading to the killing of many people, either at the point of operation or in their camps, where they executed victims who failed to meet their ransom demands.
Communities located on the outskirts of Bwari town, namely, Tukolo, Baran-Goni, Kuduru and Zuma, as well as other remote communities like Igwu, Shere and Kawu, and Mpape, have been worst affected by the rising attacks.
It was gathered that residents in other areas around Kubwa, Dutse, Dei-Dei and nearby Zhibi communities are also becoming prey to the marauding elements.
As figures of kidnap victims continue to rise, families of the affected persons have reportedly sold out their property to raise ransom.
Key government institutions were said to be at risk following the incidents. Bwari Area Council is home to some strategic government institutions in the FCT, including the Nigerian Law School campus, Federal Government Girls’ College (FGGC), Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), which also owns staff quarters around the area, as well as other numerous private and public institutions.
There are concerns that these key institutions are under threat if nothing is done to smoke out these criminal elements.
A resident of Tokulo community, which is the home town of the present serving chairman of Bwari Area Council, cited a recent incident as a case, where kidnappers rained bullets over a parked security van stationed in the area.
“Luckily for the security men, they were not inside the vehicle at the time, otherwise, the chance of their survival was little,” he said.
The resident, however, added that the security operatives had managed to fire back from their nearby hideout, which eventually made the bandits withdraw.
“But that didn’t stop the gunmen from returning to the area within just a week and abducted three residents, who were still with them,” he disclosed.
Just recently, a gang of kidnappers who raided the Zuma community on the outskirts of Bwari town, opened fire against a police van on a rescue mission, injuring two policemen, as well as killing a civilian who led them to the area. They went ahead to their target, a family of seven.
Another resident of the FCT, simply identified as Hameed, lamented that many residents now live in fear.
He called on the government to do something urgent to arrest the situation, saying, “We can no longer walk freely. The fear becomes worse at night. To sleep has become difficult for us. We don’t know who is next; we want the government and security agencies to act fast.”
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has said it was committed to putting an end to worsening abductions in the affected areas.
A statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed that the force has been on the trail of the abductors.
“In the wake of the abduction of six young girls in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, it is vital to state that the Police Force has already initiated a comprehensive plan of action. The Force Headquarters is diligently coordinating efforts to address this and prevent any further occurrence, as all hands are on deck to rescue the victims.
“However, the sensitivity of the situation necessitates discretion, and as a result, specific details are being kept confidential to avoid compromising ongoing operations.
“The NPF is actively engaging and contacting individuals crucial to the rescue operations and investigation. The objective is not only to bring perpetrators to justice but also to intensify efforts in rescue operations for victims still in captivity.
“Furthermore, recognizing the psychological impact on affected families, the Police are encouraging open communication with their operatives to provide support, information, and assistance to mitigate the psychological warfare imposed by kidnappers on the relatives and loved ones of their victims,” he said.
