Residents of Grow Homes Estate in Chikakore, Kubwa, Abuja, were thrown into panic in the early hours of Monday as a group of heavily armed kidnappers stormed the area, taking advantage of poor security infrastructure and lack of access roads.
The attack, which occurred between midnight and 1:30am, left many traumatised and at least one man reportedly abducted.
A woman initially taken by the assailants was later found abandoned within the estate at daybreak, although the reason for her release remains unclear.
According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers overpowered the local vigilante team and held residents hostage during the frightening raid.
One resident described the gunmen as well-armed and coordinated, revealing that the police only arrived after the attack had progressed.
A fierce gun battle ensued between the police and the kidnappers around 1am and lasted nearly 30 minutes.
The community has since made urgent appeals to both the Federal Capital Territory Administration and security agencies, calling for the construction of accessible roads and the establishment of a police station in the area.
Many believe that the absence of these basic security measures contributed to the ease with which the kidnappers carried out the operation.
The full number of abducted individuals remains unconfirmed, as some residents are still trying to reach missing neighbours.
This latest incident has intensified growing fears about worsening insecurity in the capital, particularly in its suburbs.
Authorities have yet to release an official statement on the attack, but concerned citizens are urging the government to act swiftly before the situation escalates further.
