Residents reported that a large group of armed men, estimated around 30, arrived around 11:50 p.m. The gunmen fired shots into the air before targeting specific houses.
According to a resident, Mr Isah, they seemed to have prior knowledge of their victims, breaking into homes and abducting four individuals. Among those kidnapped were the wife and brother of an engineer identified as Patrick.
“From the engineer’s house, after taking his wife and brother, they divided themselves into two groups. One group went towards the riverside that leads to Kubwa and Bwari, while the other group went towards the hillside,” Isah said.
“It was the group going towards the hillside that stopped at a nearby house, where they kidnapped a Pastor and another young man. We could not do anything, we were scared to death during the period of the operation.”
The attack has sent shockwaves through Bmuko, leaving a trail of fear and outrage. Residents are demanding a more robust security presence, including a dedicated police outpost.
Another resident who spoke on anonymity stressed the urgent need for regular patrols, which could deter future attacks and provide a sense of safety for the community.
“We have been demanding for police outpost here in the Bmuko community, this is a populated environment. Whatever is happening here is not out of the knowledge of the security architecture of the FCT,” he said.
Security forces, including soldiers and police, have been mobilised to locate the victims and possibly apprehend the invaders.
However, initial efforts were futile. “The soldiers who went in search of them have returned without rescuing them,” said a resident.
The attack highlights the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria, even within the country’s capital. The Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Police Command is yet to release an official statement on the incident.
