Fear and uncertainty have gripped several communities within the Federal Capital Territory as residents of Kungaboku and Paze reportedly fled their homes following reports of a planned attack by suspected bandits.
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| Bandit Photo (Photo credit vanguard) |
The discovery of the message quickly created tension among residents, many of whom began leaving their homes for safer areas. Families reportedly moved their belongings out of the villages while others temporarily relocated to nearby communities to avoid being caught in a possible attack.
Local sources said the fear was intensified by recent security incidents in the area. Earlier in March, troops of the Nigerian Army working with police officers and local vigilante groups carried out a rescue operation around Gidan Dogo in the Bwari Area Council. During the operation, security forces successfully rescued 19 kidnapped victims who had been abducted by armed criminals operating in the area.
The security operation reportedly led to the death of one suspected bandit, while several others escaped with gunshot injuries. Security personnel also recovered weapons including an AK 47 rifle and a locally fabricated firearm during the raid. Community members believe the threat letter may be connected to the outcome of that operation.
Adding to residents’ concerns, suspected bandits reportedly attacked a nearby Fulani settlement in Kungaboku shortly before the threatening message surfaced. During the incident, three women were abducted and the attackers allegedly demanded a ransom of about seventy million naira for their release.
Kungaboku and Paze are located near Byazhin, an extension of Kubwa in the Bwari Area Council, an area that has experienced several security challenges in recent years. The communities are largely known for farming activities, with many residents engaged in livestock, poultry and fish production.
In October 2025, a veterinary doctor identified as Ifeanyi Ogbu was reportedly killed in Kungaboku after being abducted along with his children. The tragic incident shocked residents and highlighted the growing insecurity affecting rural settlements within the Federal Capital Territory.
More recently, suspected bandits also attacked the same community and abducted a retired military officer along with three children. Although some family members managed to escape during the attack, the incident further heightened fear among residents.
Reports also indicate that gunmen attacked a farm settlement during the same period, killing a vigilante member who was on duty while abducting three workers. Six other individuals reportedly escaped the attack.
Residents of Paze say their community has witnessed repeated cases of kidnapping and armed attacks in recent weeks. According to local accounts, armed men often raid homes at night, moving from house to house in search of victims to abduct.
Community members estimate that at least twelve people, including women and children, have been kidnapped in the area within the past two weeks. Among those abducted were four children belonging to a local pastor as well as the wife of a vigilante leader and her sister.
In response to the growing panic, the Divisional Police Officer in Byazhin convened a security meeting with community leaders and residents. The meeting was held at the palace of the community head of Kungaboku, Ishaya Jagaba, where security officials addressed concerns surrounding the alleged threat.
During the meeting, police authorities confirmed that the letter had been recovered but assured residents that proactive measures were being taken to prevent any attack. Security officials also encouraged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
Residents were advised to monitor the activities of unfamiliar individuals within their communities, particularly commercial motorcycle riders and scavengers who may sometimes act as informants for criminal groups.
Community leaders were also encouraged to properly document new residents moving into the area in order to prevent criminals from infiltrating the community.
Security authorities further discussed plans for the construction of a police post in Kungaboku to improve rapid response to security threats. Residents were urged to support the project and collaborate with security agencies to strengthen protection in the area.
Police also assured residents that regular day and night patrols would be intensified across the communities to discourage criminal activity and provide reassurance to those who remain in the area.
Despite these assurances, fear still lingers in Kungaboku and Paze as many houses remain deserted. Several families are waiting to see whether the security measures promised by authorities will be sufficient to prevent another attack.
Community leaders have continued to appeal for calm, urging residents not to panic while also encouraging them to remain watchful and report any suspicious activities to security agencies.
For now, the situation remains tense as residents hope that strengthened security efforts will restore confidence and allow displaced families to safely return to their homes.
By SUNDAY UNEKWUOJO SAMSON