Approximately 20 residents of Dawaki, a community near Kubwa in the Federal Capital Territory, were forcefully abducted by bandits in a distressing incident.
The community is in a state of shock and concern for the well-being of those affected due to the situation.
Assailants reportedly conducted a raid on houses along Frank Opara Street.
Security operatives promptly responded to distress calls from the affected area as a result of the incident.
Tunde Abdulrahim, the Chairman of Dawaki Rock Heaven Community, informed newsmen on Monday that the incident occurred at about 7.30 pm on Sunday.
Abdulrahim stated that about 50 armed men invaded the community and broke into approximately six houses.
The FCT police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, mentioned in a statement on Monday that the Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh, led policemen to the scene and engaged the kidnappers in a gun battle when commenting on the attack.
The statement read, “In an immediate and strategic response to a distress call on the attack by unknown gunmen in Dawaki on May 19, 2024, at about 11.30pm, the operatives of the FCT Police Command, led by the Commissioner of Police, CP Igweh, himself, swiftly mobilised to the scene.
“Displaying remarkable bravery and coordination, the police, in synergy with local hunters, advanced on the assailants, tactically ambushing them at Ushafa Hill via Bwari and Shishipe Hills via Mpape.
“This led to a fierce gun duel as the hoodlums were overwhelmed by the firepower of the operatives, forcing them to scamper to safety with various degrees of bullet injuries, and the victims were rescued.
“While one of the rescued victims is still in the hospital receiving medical attention, the Commissioner of Police, FCT, reaffirms the command’s steadfast dedication to maintaining peace and security in the territory, as search operations are ongoing to rescue other hostages who fled the scene during the shootout.”