A group of about 50 gunmen, dressed in military uniforms, have raided the Dawaki community in Abuja, abducting at least 20 people. The attack occurred on Sunday evening, around 7:30 pm, and lasted for about an hour.
Witnesses described the attackers as bandits, armed robbers, and terrorists, who stormed the community, shooting sporadically and abducting residents. The gunmen, who wore face masks, targeted three houses and abducted 17 residents, including women and children. However, five of the abductees managed to escape while being taken away.
The attackers were confronted by DSS operatives and soldiers, who engaged them in a fierce gun battle. Despite being outnumbered, the security forces managed to rescue some of the abducted victims, who are currently receiving medical attention.
The FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh, confirmed the incident and said that the rescued victims were in the hospital receiving medical attention. He also stated that the police are working to ensure the safe return of the remaining abducted victims.
The attack on Dawaki community is the latest in a series of daring onslaughts by gunmen in Abuja, who have been terrorizing residents in recent weeks. The attacks have left many residents in fear, and some estates have started buying guns for their vigilantes to provide additional security.
Residents have also been contributing money to fix a police patrol vehicle, which was withdrawn last year, to help improve security in the area. The community has been tasked with raising N900,000 to repair the vehicle, with each house contributing N25,000.
The resurgence of attacks by sundry criminals in Abuja has raised concerns among residents, who are calling on the government to take serious action to address the security challenges in the city.
