By Patrick Idowu
Panic gripped residents of Efab Global Estate in the Idu Industrial Area of Abuja after suspected armed criminals stormed the estate in a late-night raid, leaving five security guards seriously injured and several homes ransacked.
Eyewitnesses said the heavily armed attackers, numbering over 20, launched the assault around midnight on Wednesday, firing shots indiscriminately to create fear.
In a brutal display of force, the invaders macheted the estate’s security personnel before proceeding to rob six homes.
“We were woken by the sound of gunshots and screams. It was terrifying. The gunmen were over 20 and overpowered our security guards. They macheted five of our security guards. The criminals stole cash, mobile phones, jewellery and other valuables.
In some cases, victims were coerced into transferring money to designated accounts under duress,” a resident told reporters on Thursday, requesting anonymity for safety reasons.
A message from the estate’s security committee revealed chilling details of the attack. “In a coordinated operation, about 40 armed individuals linked to an organised criminal group infiltrated the Efab Global estate in Idu.
Thereafter, the gunmen conducted a siege around the estate and shot randomly to commence their operation, causing panic, fear and confusion,” the statement said.
It further disclosed that the police were not alerted immediately due to residents’ fear. “The Security Committee alerted the police around 0400hrs local time, and they arrived later,” the statement added.
As of the time of filing this report, the FCT Police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, has not issued an official comment.
