Bandits Abduct Pregnant Customs Officer’s Wife, Three Children, Brother in Abuja

Bandits have Reportedly kidnapped the family of a senior Customs officer in Abuja on Sunday, sparking concerns over the city’s security.

Eyewitnesses reported that over 10 armed bandits stormed the officer’s residence in Shagari Quarters, Dei-Dei, around 11:30 a.m. They forcibly entered the compound and abducted the officer’s pregnant wife, his three children, and his younger brother.

The officer, who was not present during the attack, had recently been redeployed to Lagos, resulting in the withdrawal of police protection that previously guarded his family.

Sources said the bandits remained in the compound for more than two hours before moving to the neighboring Dakwa community. There, they attempted further attacks but were repelled by security forces. While the pregnant woman was later released, the children and the brother remain in captivity.

Contradicting this account, the FCT Police Command claimed the kidnapping was thwarted. According to SP Josephine Adeh, spokesperson for the command, police and local hunters ambushed the assailants at Ushafa Hill via Bwari and Shishipe Hills via Mpape, leading to a gunfight. The police claimed the bandits fled with injuries and that the victims were rescued, although one remains hospitalized.

This incident highlights growing security concerns in the FCT, particularly in the Dei-Dei area, which has seen several kidnappings recently. Residents are urging the government to address these security challenges urgently.

Dr. Alhassan Babachukuri, the traditional ruler of Dakwa, emphasized the need for government intervention against bandits who have established a base behind Zuma Rock in the Chachi community of neighboring Niger State, warning of potential escalation if left unchecked.