The rate at which kidnappers operate in the Kuchibuyi community in Kubwa, Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has led residents of the area to cry out for help.
The recent outcry was triggered by a kidnapping case which occurred about two weeks ago in the community.
The abductors whisked away their victim, Abu and freed him after their demands were met two days later.
In 2023 alone, three people have been reportedly abducted from the community, while two kidnapping attempts were foiled by the vigilante group.
Speaking on the attacks, a resident of the area who gave his name as Timmy, revealed that the attacks which started in 2019, have forced many residents out of their homes in pursuit of safety.
Timmy said, “Since 2019, there have been a series of kidnapping attacks in this community. I was one of the victims of these attacks. Just in June, about eight suspected kidnappers fully armed with Ak47 invaded this area at night. I was the only person out of almost nine of these attacks on the community that was not successful.
“Just about two weeks ago, a friend of mine was kidnapped and was just freed about a few days after paying some ransom. The incident has nearly crippled my friend. He cannot walk as I am talking to you.
“Another resident said to be named Austin, who was a victim in November, died about a few weeks after these people collected about N11 million as ransom. There was another resident called Wale, a first-class graduate who was killed in October. One chief in the community was also kidnapped.”
Calling on the government to come to their aid, the secretary to the community, Yusuf Alkali said, “This has been a very big security challenge in the community. We want the government to come to our aid and provide security men who can support our vigilante men to help us at least tackle these kidnappers. We will also want the government to help us establish a police outpost in the community. There is no security to succeed without proper mobility.
“If we can have a government with at least a security patrol vehicle or motorcycle that can help our men patrol the community at night, we will be happy. If the government can help us with this, we will be happy. We are not asking for money. All we need are these things we have mentioned.”