By Oso Abidemi
Residents of Abuja are urgently calling on authorities to tackle the growing wave of robbery attacks across key districts in the city centre.
The latest incident occurred early Friday morning at Efab Global Estate in Idu Industrial Layout, where a gang of armed men scaled the fence, tied up security guards, and raided homes.
Witnesses revealed that the attackers fired shots into the air to create panic, injuring several guards and robbing occupants of cash, phones, jewellery, and other valuables.
A resident described the ordeal: “We were awoken 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.”
The FCT police confirmed the attack, with spokesperson Josephine Adeh stating that the suspects fled before officers arrived. She added that security reinforcements are now in place, and investigations continue.
Residents also raised concerns about similar attacks in Wuse, Maitama, Gwarinpa, and Dawaki in recent weeks, calling for increased police presence and better collaboration with vigilante groups to secure vulnerable communities.
Security expert Joseph Idoko warned, “If the Abuja city centre is not safe, then what will be the situation at the area councils and the rural communities?”
The police commissioner has urged communities to properly vet security personnel and report suspicious activities promptly.
The growing insecurity has residents on edge, demanding urgent and sustained action to restore peace in the nation’s capital.
