Gunmen Abduct Retired Military Commander, Pastor’s Children, Others in Abuja Community Attack

Gunmen Abduct Retired Military Commander, Pastor’s Children, Others in Abuja Community Attack

Gunmen have abducted several residents, including a retired military commander, her younger sister, and four children belonging to a pastor, during an attack on Peze community in the Byazhi area of Kubwa, within the Bwari Area Council.

Residents said the incident occurred on Tuesday night between about 9:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., when heavily armed attackers stormed the community, moving from house to house and attempting to force their way into homes.

One resident, who spoke about the incident, said the gunmen had earlier gathered in an uncompleted building opposite his house before launching the attack. According to him, the group used the building as a staging point while monitoring movements in the area.

“They actually came to my house that night. One of my neighbours noticed them watching the area from the uncompleted building opposite us,” he said. “They later began banging on my door and moving around the compound, shouting to see if anyone would respond.”

The resident explained that the attackers often tried to provoke occupants into reacting so they could gain entry.

“The way they operate is that once you respond, they break the window to force their way inside,” he said. “They also threatened that if we refused to open the door, they would break in through the window and kill everyone inside.”

He said when the gunmen were unable to break into his house, they moved to other homes in the neighbourhood where they eventually succeeded in abducting several residents.

According to him, a total of 16 people were kidnapped during the attack. Among those taken were four children belonging to a pastor in the community. The pastor was said to be away from home at the time the attackers struck.

The attack has heightened fears among residents of the area, as cases of kidnapping and night raids continue to affect communities around the Federal Capital Territory.

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force had not released an official statement on the incident.


Blessing Anolaba

Editorial & Creative Correspondent
A storyteller and journalist passionate about telling stories for policy change and impact.