Residents of the Paze community around the Byazhin area of Kubwa in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory were thrown into panic in the early hours of Thursday after suspected bandits launched a deadly attack that left one vigilante dead and four persons abducted.
The attackers, reportedly numbering about eight, stormed the neighbourhood popularly known as “Back of Catholic Church” shortly after midnight, firing shots and breaking into homes as terrified residents scrambled for safety.
What began as a quiet night in the community quickly turned into chaos, fear, and cries for help that came too late.
Vigilante Shot Dead While on Duty
During the attack, the gunmen reportedly shot and killed a local security guard identified as Shuaibu Yerima, who was part of the community vigilante team tasked with protecting the area.
Residents said he was hit during the initial confrontation and later died from his injuries after efforts to save him reportedly failed due to delays in medical attention.
His death has further deepened fear among locals who already feel exposed to repeated attacks.
Pastor, Child and Two Others Abducted
After killing the vigilante, the attackers moved deeper into the community, breaking into homes and abducting four residents.
Those taken include Pastor Francis Oriade of the All Christian Fellowship Mission, Maitama, Abuja, alongside Jewel Obeh, Friday Isaac, and an 11-year-old boy identified as Delight Okeke.
Families of the victims described a night of terror, as armed men moved from house to house forcing doors open and dragging victims away.
“They Came Through the Window” — Residents Recount Ordeal
Eyewitnesses said the attackers operated with coordination, cutting through windows and forcing entry into compounds after failed attempts to break down doors.
Emmanuel Isaac, whose relative was among the abducted, said the gunmen stormed their home shortly after they heard gunshots believed to have killed the vigilante.
He described how armed men surrounded the house, tied residents’ hands, and selected who to take away.
According to him, even attempts to plead for mercy were ignored as the attackers insisted on taking victims with them before disappearing into the night.
Pastor Dragged From Room, Family Left Helpless
In a separate account, Elizabeth Oriade, sister of the abducted pastor, said the attackers eventually gained access to their home through a window after failing to force the door open.
She said they were first alerted by gunshots around midnight before the gunmen returned about 20 minutes later to launch the full attack.
The pastor was reportedly dragged from his room and assaulted during the process.
The family said phones and valuables were seized before the attackers left with him.
Mother’s Plea Ends in Abduction of 11-Year-Old
In another tragic account, the mother of the abducted 11-year-old boy, Erenta Okeke, said the gunmen invaded their home demanding money while pointing a gun at her.
She said she pleaded with them to spare her children, especially her younger daughter who was visibly terrified during the ordeal.
Despite her pleas, the attackers eventually abducted her son after searching the house.
Police Respond, Residents Remain Fearful
The attack reportedly occurred just days after a similar kidnapping incident in a nearby community, raising concerns about worsening insecurity in the area.
Residents said police arrived shortly after the attackers fled but were unable to immediately pursue them in the direction they escaped.
A senior police officer at the Byazhin Divisional Headquarters confirmed the incident, adding that investigations were ongoing and efforts were being made to track the kidnappers.
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Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, reportedly promised to provide updates after investigation.
Growing Fear in FCT Communities
As burial rites were conducted for the slain vigilante, tension remains high in the affected community, with residents calling for stronger security presence and urgent government intervention.
For many in Paze and surrounding areas, the attack has reinforced a painful reality, that even communities within the Federal Capital Territory are no longer immune to armed violence and abductions.