Seven residents, including a 16-year-old boy and six young women, were abducted during a violent raid in Gidan-Bijimi, a border community in Kawu Ward of Bwari Area Council, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The attackers, armed with AK-47 rifles, struck late Wednesday night, plunging the community into panic.
According to a local resident, Suleiman Shuaibu, the bandits stormed two homes at around 9:47 pm, opening fire sporadically and seizing their victims.
“It was sheer chaos. People were running for cover while some vigilantes tried to intervene, but they were quickly overpowered,” Shuaibu said.
The abducted girls are reportedly between 17 and 23 years old. Shuaibu added, “My cousin was among those taken. Families in the area are still in shock, and many have fled their homes.”
Gidan-Bijimi, which shares a boundary with Marke Village along the Kaduna State border, has been vulnerable to such attacks due to its remote location. The community’s residents fear this may not be an isolated incident.
Efforts to reach the FCT Police Command for comment were unsuccessful, as spokeswoman SP Josephine Adeh did not respond to calls or messages at the time of reporting.
AFRIPOST had earlier this week, reported that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike ordered a strengthening of security measures across Abuja, emphasising enhanced surveillance at state borders and key entry points.
Following the directive, a joint task force comprising the military, police, and Department of State Services (DSS) has been deployed across strategic areas of the capital.
Speaking to the team, FCT Police Commissioner CP Miller G. Dantawaye urged officers to maintain close coordination to tackle criminal activities effectively.
He highlighted that adequate logistics and resources had been provided to ensure the safety of residents.
Security sources disclosed that the joint operation is ongoing, with efforts focused on tracing the abductors and securing the release of the victims. Community members continue to live in fear as authorities intensify patrols and response measures.