In a shocking incident that unfolded on Sunday, gunmen attacked the 1,000 Housing Estate in the Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, abducting a staff member of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and at least 15 others. The assailants, who arrived at approximately 11:30 pm, unleashed a hail of bullets and targeted individuals returning home from work.
Taiwo Aderibigbe, the chairman of the Pegi Residents Association, revealed the distressing development to reporters in Abuja on Tuesday. He confirmed that one of the abductees is a staff member of the FCT Department of Development Control, working under the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council. Among those kidnapped is also the husband of a woman who sells second-hand clothes at the estate’s main entrance.
As of now, the families of the abducted individuals have not received any communication from the kidnappers. Efforts are underway to identify other residents who may have been taken by the gunmen.
Despite attempts to obtain a statement from the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, no response has been received at the time of this report, despite numerous calls, SMS messages, and WhatsApp inquiries.
Mukhtar Galadima, the Director of the FCT Department of Development Control, confirmed the authenticity of the incident when questioned by journalists on Tuesday. He acknowledged that Shuaibu Musa, one of their drivers, was among the abducted individuals and is still being held captive.
The brazen abduction has left the community shaken and concerned for the safety of its residents. The authorities are working diligently to secure the release of those held hostage and to bring the perpetrators of this heinous act to justice.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the prevailing security challenges in certain areas, highlighting the need for enhanced measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents in the FCT. The public remains hopeful for a swift and successful resolution to this distressing situation, as the affected individuals and their families anxiously await their safe return.