In a tragic turn of events, bandits stormed a Tipper Garage in Mpape town, Abuja, on Sunday evening, September 22, 2024. The violent attack, which took place around 8 p.m., left the local community in shock and fear. The bandits brutally killed the local mosque’s imam, Ahmad Maidara, and abducted a well-known transporter, Alhaji Salisu Danfulani.
The Tipper Garage, located in the bustling town of Mpape, is a well-known gathering point for transport workers and residents. On the night of the attack, members of the garage had just completed their final prayers of the day and were leaving the mosque. It was at this moment that the armed bandits struck.
According to Nasiru Ahmad, a resident of Mpape, the imam, Ahmad Maidara, was trying to escape the attack by taking an alternate path. However, the bandits had already positioned themselves in key areas, blocking possible escape routes. The imam was ambushed and shot dead at the scene. His attempt to flee was futile as the attackers were well-coordinated, ensuring no one could leave unnoticed.
In addition to the death of the imam, another member of the garage was shot in the hand during the chaos. He was quickly rushed to the hospital, where he received treatment for his injuries. Fortunately, his wounds were not life-threatening, but the emotional trauma from the attack remains with him and other survivors.
The bandits did not stop at killing the imam. In a swift move, they also kidnapped Alhaji Salisu Danfulani, a respected transporter and businessman in the community. Danfulani, known for his role in the transport sector in Mpape, was a prominent figure, which has led many to speculate whether the bandits specifically targeted him or if he was randomly taken as part of their violent rampage.
The bandits fled the area soon after the attack, retreating through the mountainous terrain surrounding Mpape. This hilly landscape is notorious for providing cover for criminals, making it challenging for security forces to track them down immediately.
The following day, Comrade Hamza Muhammad, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Mine Workers (NUMW), confirmed the sad news. He expressed his grief over the death of Imam Maidara and shared details of the incident with the public. According to him, the imam’s body was transported to his home in Gwagwa town, Abuja, where he was laid to rest on Monday, September 23.
The community of Mpape is deeply shaken by this event. Many residents now live in fear, worried that bandits might strike again. The fact that the bandits could easily infiltrate and escape through the nearby mountains only adds to the anxiety, as it shows how vulnerable the town is to such attacks.
The attack on Mpape is yet another example of the growing insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in its capital, Abuja. Once considered one of the safest regions in the country, Abuja is now witnessing an increase in banditry, kidnappings, and other forms of violent crime. The government has been urged to intensify efforts in securing the capital and its surrounding towns, especially areas like Mpape that are close to mountainous regions often exploited by criminals.
Residents of Mpape have called on authorities to beef up security around their community, especially near the garage and mosque. Increased patrols, better surveillance, and quicker response times from security forces are some of the measures being demanded.
The tragic killing of Imam Ahmad Maidara and the abduction of Alhaji Salisu Danfulani are grim reminders of the security challenges Nigeria is facing. While the community of Mpape mourns the loss of their imam, they also remain hopeful that Alhaji Danfulani will be safely rescued and that justice will be served to those responsible for this heinous crime.
Until then, the residents of Mpape and surrounding areas continue to live in fear, unsure of when or where the next attack might occur.
