The Etsu of Kiyi in Kuje council area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, Alhaji Jibrin Shaban has raised the alarm over the rising cases of kidnapping in his domain.
Speaking with Blueprint on the recent incident in the area, Shaban said gunmen believed to be kidnappers, armed with dangerous weapons recently attacked Kiyi community, a suburb of Kuje area council in large numbers about 12 midnight and started shooting sporadically before forcing themselves into some houses.
He said, “They kidnapped four people, including a pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). We heard gunshots when people were sleeping and realised that they were kidnappers.
“I quickly notified the Divisional Police Office (DPO) Headquarters Kuje, the Gomo of Kuje, Alhaji Tanko Jibrin and the Kuje council chairman, Alhaji Suleiman Sabo, for further necessary action.
He said the police on getting the wind of what had happened, quickly mobilised personnel who came to their rescue.”
The Etsu said the police were stationed in the community to protect lives and properties till the situation calmed down. He said presently, vigilantes were helping the community on the security situation in the area.
The Etsu said the kidnappers demanded a ransom of N50 million but the community was able to raise N3 million before they were released.
He further lamented that, after four days of the first incident, the attackers came back and kidnapped three girls and a woman, adding that the husband of the victim was shot and was taken to the hospital for treatment.
“All the victims are now released and reunited with their family members but all the affected victims fled the village for fear of another attack,” he added.
The community leader called on residents to be awake on issues of security, adding that security is a matter for all and sundry as government alone could handle the situation.
