Palpable Tension Grips Bwari, Ushafa, and Other Villages in Abuja as Bandits Wreak Havoc

Residents of Bwari, Ushafa, and surrounding villages in Bwari Area Council, Abuja, are living in fear as daredevil bandits continue to cause havoc in the area. The recent spate of attacks has left the community on edge, with reports of killings and kidnappings becoming alarmingly frequent.

Last week, in Zuma 1, a village located in the Bwari central ward of the council, seven family members were abducted during a violent invasion by the gunmen. Tragically, a man known as Alhaji lost his life in a gun battle between the bandits and the Nigeria Police. Two officers were also seriously injured during the incident, highlighting the brazenness and audacity of the terrorists.

Prior to this incident, Barangoni, another village in the Bwari central ward, was targeted by the blood-thirsty bandits. Several individuals were kidnapped, and a brave vigilante member sustained a life-threatening injury while attempting to defend the community.

Further reports reveal that Garam, Kuduru, and Azu communities in the council were invaded by gunmen who fired indiscriminately, causing panic among residents. Shockingly, at least five individuals were abducted during these attacks, which occurred despite the presence of a police post in the area.

The continuous killings and abductions have prompted some residents, particularly those in Bwari, Ushafa, and other border communities, to flee their homes in search of safety. The situation has become so dire that even the General Hospital in Bwari was partially shut down due to the intensified attacks. Workers, including doctors, are fearful of being kidnapped and have been forced to stay home.

According to an anonymous source, the bandits meticulously study their victims, gathering information about their workplaces and financial status before striking. This calculated approach has instilled fear among medical professionals, resulting in the disrupted functioning of the hospital.

Ushafa village, also known as the Clinton Village in Bwari Area Council, has also experienced a series of brutal attacks by these terrorists. On Wednesday, the gunmen struck near the Jordan FM, abducting an unknown number of residents. Moreover, there have been unverified reports that some residents returning from the farm recently spotted bandits positioned near the rocks behind the LEA Primary School. This unsettling information has created a sense of fear and anxiety within the Clinton Village.

Mr. Laurence Ekoja, a member of the vigilante group in Ushafa, expressed concern over the bandits’ activities. He revealed that farmers had previously sighted the criminals behind a rock, just before the attack on Zuma 1. Ekoja emphasized the urgent need for increased security presence in the area, including more soldiers and other operatives.

When approached for comment, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, urged residents to refrain from spreading unverified information. She acknowledged the efforts made by the Commissioner of Police, who recently visited all communities in the region to assess the security situation. Adeh assured the public that proactive measures, such as deploying additional personnel and an armored police vehicle, have been taken to address the concerns raised.

The escalating violence in Bwari, Ushafa, and surrounding villages is a matter of grave concern. The authorities must take swift and decisive action to ensure the safety and security of the residents. The deployment of more security personnel and the implementation of strategic measures are necessary to protect innocent lives and restore peace to the affected communities.