Bandits abduct man from Abuja community

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted Emmanuel Oluwole, a resident of Kungabokun community in the Byazhin area of Kubwa, Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Residents said the attackers stormed the community a few minutes before midnight on Sunday and went straight to Oluwale’s residence, from where they whisked him away. Kungabokun is known for poultry farming and fishing and is regarded as one of the major hubs for the activities in the territory after Kuje. Oluwole was described by residents as an artisan involved in various trades, including solar power installation and the repair of refrigerators, air conditioners and power generators. When Abuja Metro visited the victim’s residence on Monday, the house was under lock and key. Residents said his wife had left with their two children the morning after the incident. A neighbour, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the kidnappers gained access to the bungalow by cutting through a window before entering the house. According to him, Oluwole initially hid in the toilet when the attackers entered the building. However, he was forced to surrender after the gunmen allegedly threatened to kill one of his two daughters. Residents said about three of the attackers entered the house, while others were believed to have remained outside during the operation. The youth leader and commander of the local vigilante group, Moses Zephaniah, said the abduction occurred less than a week after another resident who was kidnapped near Oluwole’s residence regained freedom. He expressed concern over the resurgence of kidnapping incidents in the area, saying the development was creating fear among residents, especially poultry farmers and fishermen. According to him, a joint security team comprising soldiers, mobile police officers and other security personnel had previously been deployed to the community following a series of abductions and killings. He said the security presence significantly reduced criminal activities before the personnel were withdrawn about a month ago. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Byazhin Division, CSP Yusuf Makoli, confirmed the incident and said investigations were ongoing. The spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, also promised to verify the incident and provide further details. However, she had yet to do so as of the time of filing this report.