In a terrifying overnight raid, a group of heavily armed kidnappers stormed Grow Homes Estate in the Chikakore area of Kubwa, Abuja’s largest suburban town, holding residents hostage for over an hour and abducting two individuals.
The attack, which occurred between midnight and 1:30 a.m. on Monday, sent shockwaves through the community. Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants, who gained entry by breaching the estate’s rear perimeter fence, overpowered the local vigilance team before forcibly taking away a man and a woman.
By daybreak, the female victim, identified as Chinyere Joe, was rescued following a fierce gun battle between the kidnappers and police operatives. The reasons for her release remain unclear.
Police Confirm Kidnapping in Kubwa Estate Attack
Speaking on the incident, the spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, Josephine Adeh, confirmed the abduction, noting that a distress call was received around 1:00 a.m. from officers stationed near the estate.
“Upon swift deployment to the scene, it was discovered that the attackers had invaded the estate through the rear fence and abducted two residents,” Adeh stated.
“A prolonged exchange of gunfire between police officers and the armed assailants lasted about 40 minutes, during which one of the victims was successfully rescued. The kidnappers escaped with the second victim, but efforts are ongoing to locate and safely recover the individual.”
Residents Plead for Improved Security Infrastructure
Frightened residents have since called on authorities to urgently repair access roads and establish a dedicated police station in the area to improve emergency response times.
“This road is in terrible shape, and it hampers security patrols. We’re pleading with the FCT Administration and the police to set up a station within the estate for rapid response,” a resident told reporters.
Rising Insecurity in Abuja’s Estates
Monday’s kidnapping incident in Grow Homes Estate comes just days after a similar armed attack on Efab Global Estate in the Idu Industrial Area of Abuja, highlighting growing concerns about insecurity in suburban communities within Nigeria’s capital.
The FCT Police Command, alongside the military and other security agencies, has intensified efforts to track the fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks on residential estates in the region.
