Again, kidnappers besiege Abuja, abduct FCTA staff, 14 others

Gunmen have again invaded the FCT, kidnapping no fewer than 15 persons on Sunday night at the 1, 000 housing estate along the Pegi community in Kuje outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Abuja.

The gunmen, who reportedly attacked at around 11:30 p.m., shot sporadically into the air and took away several people who were returning from the city at the time.

The Director of the FCT Department of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, reportedly confirmed that one of his staff was a victim.

Reacting to the incident, FCT Police Command spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh said: “After an extensive investigation, including intelligence-led information gathering, the police have found no evidence of such an incident.

“This is further supported by the fact that no victims or families of victims have come forward with any information or evidence of a kidnapping.

“The police have reiterated their commitment to ensuring the safety of citizens and urge anyone with any information related to the alleged incident to come forward for necessary action.”

Fears over insecurity in Abuja had hit the roof, as police rescued no fewer than 58 kidnapped victims a few weeks ago, even as one of the victims died during a gunfight between the police and bandits.

However, residents and civil rights advocacy groups have flayed the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) over attacks in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), especially in the last year.