Armed attackers have abducted at least 16 residents in Peze community, located in the Byazhi area of Kubwa within the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Residents said the gunmen stormed the area late Tuesday night, moving from house to house and attempting to break into several homes. The attackers reportedly operated between about 9:30 p.m. and 10 p.m., causing panic across the neighbourhood.
According to locals, the attackers gathered earlier in an uncompleted building before launching their operation. Witnesses said the gunmen knocked aggressively on doors and threatened to force entry through windows if anyone refused to respond. Some residents stayed quiet to avoid confrontation while the armed men moved around the community.
When the attackers failed to gain entry into some houses, they proceeded to other homes where they succeeded in abducting several victims. Among those kidnapped were four children belonging to a pastor in the community. Residents said the pastor was not at home at the time of the attack and returned later to discover that his children had been taken away.
The family of a local vigilante commander was also affected by the incident. Community sources said the gunmen kidnapped the commander’s wife and her younger sister after surrounding their residence. The woman had reportedly given birth less than 40 days earlier, and the kidnappers left the newborn baby behind in the house.
Residents said the vigilante commander had left his home shortly before the attack and was alerted by neighbours that armed men were operating nearby. When he attempted to return, the gunmen reportedly blocked his path and opened fire before proceeding to abduct members of his household.
Security personnel later arrived in the area, but the attackers had already fled with the victims. Sources said the kidnappers have contacted families and are demanding ransom for their release. The incident has renewed concerns about rising insecurity in Kubwa, as residents urge authorities in the Federal Capital Territory to strengthen security presence in the area.
