Gunmen storm Abuja Estate, abduct residents

Gunmen, on Friday, 10 March 2023, invaded Grow Home Estate in the Chikakore area of Kubwa, a satellite town of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and abducted, at least, 15 persons.

Those said to be kidnapped are a pastor, whose name had yet to be ascertained, his wife, three children, and many others during the one-hour assault.

According to reports on Saturday morning, the gunmen invaded the estate, opposite Champions Church, around 10 pm on Friday and shot continuously before making away with the victims.

It was gathered that the gunmen made away with the victims through the forests around 11 pm but gunshots from the vigilantes forced them to allow about seven persons to escape.

But the pastor, his wife and children remained with the abductors.

Policemen from the Byzahin division and the Kubwa Area Command had visited the scene for preliminary findings and interrogated some of the victims.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Federal Capital Territory (FCT, Abuja) command, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed the abduction, noting that the police and the estate security were combing the bushes in the area to ensure the victims are rescued.

She said: “Upon receipt of the distress call, we immediately deployed our men to the scene. The suspects however abruptly suspended their operations and took some victims with them into the bush.

“Operatives of the Police and the estate security are still combing the bushes in the area to ensure they are rescued unhurt.”

She urged the residents of the area not to panic and, stressed that they should assist the police with credible information that could lead to the arrest of the assailants.

“We urge the residents to remain calm and assist with useful information that could lead to the swift arrest of these criminals,” Adeh, said.