In the early hours of yesterday, chaos erupted at the El-Rufai Estate in the Bwari area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) when a group of kidnappers invaded the estate and shot one of the residents.
The assailants, numbering over 15, stormed the estate around 2am, firing their guns indiscriminately to instill fear among the residents. The loud gunshots shattered the peace of the night, waking up the residents to the terrifying realization that they were under attack.
Fortunately, the quick response from the FCT police command, in conjunction with soldiers from the Guards Brigade, thwarted the kidnappers’ plans. The security forces engaged the kidnappers in a fierce gun battle, which eventually forced them to abandon their mission. However, one of the residents, identified only as Nathaniel, was injured in the process.
A resident, who chose to remain anonymous due to fear of retribution, recounted the ordeal. He described the gun battle between the police and the kidnappers as intense and lasting over 30 minutes. The resident noted that the kidnappers, unable to withstand the firepower of the security operatives, had to leave without abducting anyone. “One of the targeted victims was shot and abandoned by the kidnappers when they could no longer withstand the firepower of the security operatives,” he said.
Ibrahim, another resident, narrated his experience during the incident. He said: “Around 2am, on Wednesday, some kidnappers, numbering about 15, came to the El-Rufai Estate here. All of them were carrying guns and they were shooting non-stop. The kidnappers attempted to kidnap some persons. You know, in this area, we have experienced a lot of kidnappings in the past, but, recently, the police have been very active.
“Fortunately, the police came on time and they exchanged fire with those kidnappers, which lasted for about 30 minutes or so; but, at the end of the day, nobody was abducted by the kidnappers. However, the kidnappers shot one Nathaniel. They wanted to take him away, but they couldn’t because of the exchange of fire between them and the police.”
The FCT Police Command Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, confirmed the attack on the estate. She provided reassurance that the police were actively pursuing the kidnappers to bring them to justice. Adeh stated: “We received a distress call and the DPO of Bwari mobilised his men along with the military, and swiftly repelled the miscreants in a gun duel. No one was kidnapped. The police are on the trail of the kidnappers.”
Residents of the estate have expressed their gratitude to the security forces for their prompt response, which prevented a potential tragedy. They acknowledged the risks the police and soldiers took to ensure their safety and prevent any abductions.
Despite the successful repulsion of the kidnappers, the incident has left the residents of El-Rufai Estate in a state of heightened anxiety. They worry about the possibility of future attacks and the lingering threat posed by kidnappers in the area. Many residents are now calling for increased security measures and a more visible police presence to deter such criminal activities.
The recent attack has highlighted the persistent issue of kidnapping in certain areas of the FCT. Over the past few years, there have been numerous reports of kidnappings, causing fear and uncertainty among the residents. The situation has led to growing calls for the government and security agencies to take more decisive actions to combat the menace and ensure the safety of all citizens.
While the swift intervention by the police and military was commendable, it is evident that more needs to be done to address the root causes of such crimes and to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Enhanced intelligence gathering, community policing, and collaboration between various security agencies are crucial in tackling the kidnapping crisis effectively.
As the police continue their pursuit of the kidnappers involved in the El-Rufai Estate incident, it is hoped that the culprits will be apprehended and brought to justice. The residents of the estate, along with many others in the FCT, remain vigilant and hopeful that peace and security will be restored to their community.
In conclusion, the attempted kidnapping at the El-Rufai Estate serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by residents in certain parts of the FCT. The bravery and quick action of the security forces prevented a potentially tragic situation. However, the incident underscores the need for ongoing efforts to enhance security and address the underlying issues contributing to such criminal activities. The residents’ calls for increased security measures and a more proactive approach from the authorities highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens in the region.
