Society Gist
By Gite Igiehon
Residents of Grow Homes Estate in the Chikakore area of Kubwa, one of Abuja’s largest suburban districts, were thrown into chaos in the early hours of Monday when a group of heavily armed gunmen invaded the community, abducting at least one person and holding others hostage for over an hour.
The attack, which occurred between 12:00 a.m. and 1:30 a.m., left residents shaken and fearful, as the assailants overpowered the local vigilante team and breached the estate through its rear perimeter fence. Witnesses reported that two individuals, a man and a woman, were abducted during the attack. However, by morning, the female victim—identified as Chinyere Joe—was found within the estate after being released by the kidnappers for reasons yet unknown.
Gun Battle with Police
Residents recounted how the estate was plunged into terror as the armed men moved through the community unchallenged, until the Nigeria Police arrived around 1:00 a.m. A fierce gun battle reportedly ensued, lasting for nearly 40 minutes, during which one of the kidnapped victims was rescued.
“We were completely overwhelmed. The assailants came in fully armed and took control of the area. The police arrived shortly after the attack began, and there was an intense exchange of gunfire,” a resident told reporters.
The resident also appealed to the government to repair the access roads to the estate to allow for faster emergency response, and urged the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to establish a police station in the area for improved security.
Police Confirm Attack, Promise Swift Action
Confirming the incident, Josephine Adeh, spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, stated that the attack was promptly responded to following a distress call from officers stationed near the estate.
“The FCT Police Command received a distress call around 1:00 a.m. on Monday, May 26, 2025, regarding an attack at Grow Homes Estate in the Kuchibuyi area of Byazhin. Our officers responded swiftly and engaged the assailants in a gun duel for about 40 minutes,” Adeh said.
She confirmed that one victim was rescued during the firefight, while the other remains in captivity. According to Adeh, a joint operation involving the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Nigerian Army, and other security agencies is currently underway to locate and rescue the remaining victim and apprehend the perpetrators.
Ongoing Threats in the Capital
This latest attack comes just days after a similar kidnapping incident at Efab Global Estate in the Idu Industrial Area of Abuja, raising fresh concerns about the growing insecurity in the nation’s capital.
Security experts and residents alike have called on the authorities to intensify surveillance, improve infrastructure in outlying communities, and strengthen rapid response capabilities in the FCT to forestall further attacks.
The FCTA and security agencies have assured the public that efforts are ongoing to bring the attackers to justice and restore calm to the affected communities.
