Bandits’ attacks send shockwaves through FCT, Niger communities
By Uzair Adam Imam
A deadly bandit attack occurred in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Niger State, leaving four people dead and 39 others kidnapped.
The attack took place in Kuduru, a town in Bwari Area Council of the FCT, as well as Garam and Azu, two communities in neighbouring Niger State.
According to a witnesses, the bandits had on Saturday, December 23, invaded Garam in Niger state, which is a five minute drive from Bwari in FCT, killing a pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God RCCG, while kidnapping 13 others.
On Thursday December 28, the bandits struck Kuduru in FCT, which shares a boundary with Garam, and kidnapped 18 persons.
The following day, Friday, December 29, the bandits invaded Azu still in Niger state, killing three people and kidnapping eight others.
A resident of Garam, who identified herself as Mrs. Juliana said, “The bandits entered the wrong house, kidnapped two boys who later led them to the house of their target.
“When they got there, they kidnapped the entire family, but while leaving the house, they shot the man (their target), who is a pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church of God in the presence of his wife and their three children.”
As the bandits prepared to leave with their captives, the wife of the deceased pastor realized that she had left her six-month-old baby behind.
She bravely asked the bandits for permission to retrieve the child, and they agreed. One of the female bandits escorted her back to the house and stood guard while she picked up the baby.
“However, when the female bandit ran out of patience, she left the woman, joined the others and went with the other kidnapped persons who were 13 in number”, an eyewitness said.
Another eyewitness said the bandits made their way to the house of a military personnel, asking for his rifle and uniform from the wife.
“The wife told them that her husband is on duty. They, however, kidnapped two of his children,” she said.
The eyewitness added that 13 people were kidnapped during the attack, and that a five-year-old boy belonging to the murdered pastor was left behind by the bandits at the river because he was unable to cross it.
However, he was rescued by a local vigilance team who tracked the bandits.
This harrowing event has left the community traumatized and afraid for their safety.