• Saturday, May 18, 2024
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BusinessDay

Gunmen abduct civil servant near military base as insecurity further grips Abuja

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Aondo Ver, a director at the Federal Housing Authority, was abducted during a late-night attack on a residence located just 200 meters from a military base in Pambara, Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The assailants reportedly breached the premises through the fence at approximately 12:30 am on Thursday.

This alarming event follows closely on the heels of a recent kidnapping episode in Guita community, Chikakore, Kubwa, where two sisters were abducted from their home. Kidnappings, once confined to the North-West, have now spread across various states and the FCT, causing panic and anguish among residents.

The criminals, operating both in broad daylight and under the cover of darkness, have been targeting children, youths, and families.

Reports indicate a well-coordinated approach, with incidents occurring at busy intersections, markets, schools, and even near military checkpoints.

Just weeks ago, the aftermath of a brutal act unfolded near a former military checkpoint behind Idah Junction on the Bwari-Jere SCC Road in Kagarko LGA of Kaduna State.

Four victims were executed, including the daughter of the Chief Legal Officer of the National University Commission (NUC), Folorunsho Ariyo, and a 500-level student of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, Nabeeha Al-Kadriyar.

In a recent development, the Nigerian Police Force made a significant breakthrough in the Nabeeha Al-Kadriyar case. A suspected kidnapper, 28-year-old Bello Mohammed, was apprehended during a raid on a hotel in Kaduna on January 20th. Notably, he was found in possession of N2.25 million in cash, suspected to be part of the ransom money.

Similarly, Operatives of the FCT Police Command attached to Asokoro Police Divisional Headquarters in a coordinated operation and continued effort against criminality in FCT, rescued 2 kidnapped victims in the early hours of 31st January.

As the incidents of insecurity escalate, concerns mount among Abuja residents, with the Army yet to comment on the latest abduction near a military base.

The authorities face an increasing challenge in addressing and curbing the surge in criminal activities plaguing the nation’s capital.