Following attacks by gunmen suspected to be herdsmen on Darka and Huni-Gade villages On Monday 14th of November, which led to the killing of 28-year-old Zakariyya Nuhu, and the kidnapping of ten other persons, in both communities in Kuje Area council, residents have expressed mixed feelings over the upsurge of kidnapping in the community. According…
Following attacks by gunmen suspected to be herdsmen on Darka and Huni-Gade villages On Monday 14th of November, which led to the killing of 28-year-old Zakariyya Nuhu, and the kidnapping of ten other persons, in both communities in Kuje Area council, residents have expressed mixed feelings over the upsurge of kidnapping in the community.
According to eye witness account,gunmen were said to have stormed Darka village and started shooting periodically in the air scaring away onlookers before walking to the community leader’s house, Zakariya Zaki ,where they robbed him and killed his son in the process .
In a similar attack on the 17th of November in Huni-Gede village, gunmen abducted 4 persons and demanded for N15 million ransom from the family members.
These communities were relatively peaceful before the attacks and even though some measures have been put in place to beef up security in the area, some residents are still apprehensive over the ability of the security agencies to forestall future attacks.
Residents have urged the FCT Minister to speed up action in securing the release of the victims.
A cross section of residents in Kuje who spoke to LEADERSHIP expressed diverse opinions and reactions to the incident.
Mr Shuaibu Momudu, a resident of Kuje living in Angwan Gede, peace quarters said “I was shocked to hear about the kidnapping of children by Fulani herdsmen,the good thing about it is the quick response by a joint team of securityoperatives which led to the rescue of the victims.This proactiveness helped to restore the people’s confidence in our security operatives.
Another resident, Ogechukwu Aririeri of Pagi village stressed the need for the police to work hand in hand with vigilante in the villages to prevent any future occurrence of similar attacks .
On his part, Thomas Bindu of Kuchiako village said he heard about the incident but ,however ,expressed hope there will be prevention of such attacks by security operatives adding that so far security operatives appear to be on top of the situation.
Council Chairman, Galadima disclosed that he is in talks with the traditional rulers to ensure grassroots involvement in securing lives and property as it is important for security measures are inclusive for it to be effective.
The Gomo of Kuje, His Royal Highness (HRH) Haruna Jibril ,who also spoke at the meeting, expressed shock over the sad incident and urged Kuje residents to be watchful at all times and report any unusual activity to the security operatives.
Speaking in Abuja after an emergency security meeting that included some of the stakeholders of the affected communities in Kuje Area Council, the FCT Minister advised residents to be security conscious,he said it has become imperative because the FCT Administration and the security agencies will need useful information to prevent any of such attacks.
He said contrary to reports, there is no ethnic colouration to the recent attack as the minister advised the residents not to give any ethnic coloration to the attacks because killing and kidnapping of the innocent residents was purely criminal and the culprits would be treated as such.
He commiserated with the communities as well as the families of those affected in the unfortunate incidents.
Although, the FCT Police spokesman, Mansa Anjuri while contacted said everything necessary is been done to safeguard lives and property in the FCT, but said vigilance was the best way to prevent further attacks.
The chief of Darka Zakariya Zaki and the Chief Of Huni Gade Ibrahim Kpanaki have both shown their gratitude to the FCT minister, the council chairman and security operatives for restoring peace to their communities.
Thomos Auta ,who spoke on behalf of his family in Darka village said he is pleased to have two of his relatives returned in good health.
“I commend the FCT minister, the security operatives and everyone who gave us support at this trying time, my village was thrown into confusion and turmoil but am glad all that is over now” he said.
