Residents of Peze and Kugabonku communities in the Byazhin-Across area of Kubwa, a satellite town in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have recounted terrifying experiences following a wave of kidnappings that has gripped the area in recent weeks.

The residents said armed terrorists had repeatedly stormed their communities, moving from house to house, firing gunshots and abducting men, women and children.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), some residents said the attacks had heightened fear and anxiety, urging the Federal Government to urgently intervene to address the worsening security situation.

A resident, Philip Ikechukwu, disclosed that at least 20 people had been kidnapped in the area within the past two weeks.

“We have been living in fear here. These people have been coming to raid us, shooting guns and abducting men, women and even children, going from house to house,” he said.

“The kidnapping started two weeks ago and not less than 20 people have been kidnapped, although some escaped. A man and a woman who were kidnapped had to pay N500,000 ransom before they were released.”

Ikechukwu added that security personnel had recently stepped up patrols in the community.

“A joint security patrol of soldiers, police and civil defence officers have been on ground to checkmate further attacks,” he said, while calling for the establishment of a police station closer to the community due to the distance from the Byazhin Divisional Police Station.

Another resident, Chief Kalu Uma of neighbouring Ijayapi community, said kidnapping was a recent but disturbing development in the area.

“I have lived in this community for 29 years. It is only recently that we began experiencing this menace,” he said.

“Today it is here; tomorrow it is somewhere else. We are really worried about the development.”

Uma noted that estimates of those abducted varied between 15 and 20 people, adding that the environment had become increasingly porous and unsafe.

Pastor Tony Anotu of the Revival Family Church, whose four children were abducted on March 3 and rescued days later, described the experience as deeply traumatic.

According to him, the kidnappers spared his three-and-a-half-year-old baby but took the older children.

“Throughout the period my children were in captivity, I could not sleep. Each time I wanted to sleep, I would see their pictures and wake up,” he said.

“I kept imagining what they were going through in the forest. It was not an easy experience.”

Anotu confirmed that his four children, aged between six and 16, were rescued by security personnel without any ransom payment.

“They were rescued alongside the wife of a vigilante leader and her sister who were abducted the same day,” he added.

The village head of Peze community, Chief Saidu Ibrahim, described the recurring attacks as devastating.

“Since last week, gunmen have been coming here to kidnap our people,” he said.

“Last Thursday they abducted a man and a woman and released them on Sunday after collecting almost N500,000 ransom.”

He alleged that the criminals might be receiving assistance from insiders within the community.

“We suspect there are informants here. Without informants, strangers cannot just come into a community and carry out such operations,” he said.

Ibrahim revealed that about seven more residents were abducted during another attack earlier in the week, bringing the total number of victims to at least 16.

He added that the community had written to security agencies requesting the establishment of a permanent security base.

“We need a military checkpoint here and also a police station. That will help secure the community,” he said.

Similarly, the village head of Kugabonku community, Chief Jagaba Ishaya, described the situation as alarming.

According to him, three people were abducted at the residence of a retired naval officer while four others were kidnapped at a poultry farm during the same attack.

“The gunmen abducted the naval officer and his two daughters,” he said through an interpreter, Prince Timothy.

“At the barrister’s poultry farm, a vigilante officer was killed and four people were kidnapped.”

He called on the government to empower local vigilantes to strengthen security.

“You cannot confront someone carrying an AK-47 with inferior weapons. That has been our challenge,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command confirmed that security operatives had rescued several victims during a coordinated operation.

According to the command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, personnel from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the FCT Police Command, working with the Nigerian Army Guards Brigade, the Department of State Services (DSS) and local vigilantes, launched a rescue mission between March 6 and 7 following intelligence reports.

She said the intelligence indicated that criminals fleeing operations in Gauraka Forest in Niger State had moved into forests bordering Kaduna State with kidnapped victims.

“Upon approaching their hideout, the suspects opened fire on the operatives, resulting in an intense gun duel that lasted over one hour and thirty minutes,” Adeh said.

“Through superior tactics and firepower, the operatives subdued the kidnappers. Some suspects were neutralised while two others — Nura Sani and Abdul Bello — were arrested.”

She added that other members of the gang escaped with gunshot wounds.

“The operation led to the successful rescue of twenty kidnapped victims, comprising ten males and ten females who were earlier abducted from Byazhin District of the FCT as well as Gauraka and Tafa areas of Niger State,” she said.

Despite the rescue operation and increased security presence, residents say fear still hangs over the communities as they continue to demand stronger and permanent security measures.