The residents of Kuchibuyi community in Kubwa, Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, are expressing dissatisfaction with the frequent attacks by suspected kidnappers in the area. In 2023 alone, the community has witnessed three kidnapping incidents, with the vigilante group successfully thwarting two attacks. The most recent kidnapping occurred approximately two weeks ago, where a resident named Abu was abducted and released after paying a ransom.
According to Timmy, a resident, these attacks have prompted many residents to abandon their properties and seek refuge in safer areas. Despite the presence of vigilantes, the security situation remains precarious, with reports of residents suffering injuries and fatalities due to the criminal activities. One resident, Austin, who was kidnapped in November, reportedly died a few weeks after a ransom of about N11 million was paid. Another resident, Wale, a first-class graduate, was killed in October, further highlighting the severity of the security challenges.
Timmy expressed regret that, despite the efforts of the vigilantes, the community’s security has not significantly improved. Yusuf Alkali, the community’s secretary, pleaded with the government to intervene by establishing a security station and providing a patrol van. He emphasized the urgent need for enhanced security measures, including the establishment of a police outpost, to address the ongoing kidnapping incidents effectively.
The commandant of the Kuchibuyi vigilante group, Suleiman Ahmed, acknowledged the community’s support for the vigilantes but stressed the necessity of government assistance to bring an end to the kidnapping incidents. Ahmed highlighted the importance of community cooperation and government support, stating that the vigilante group needed additional resources to address the security challenges effectively.
Efforts to obtain a comment from the FCT police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, were unsuccessful as calls to her mobile phone went unanswered on Sunday. The community remains hopeful that government intervention will improve the security situation and protect residents from further criminal activities.
