Insecurity: Residents Desert Homes as Bandits Threaten Attacks on FCT Communities

Many residents of the Kungaboku and Paze communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have abandoned their homes following the discovery of a threatening letter from suspected bandits.

The letter, allegedly found in a pupil’s school bag at a private school in Paze, warned of coordinated attacks on the communities in retaliation for the killing of a bandit commander.

It will be recalled that on March 7, troops from the 7 Guards Battalion, Guards Brigade of the Nigerian Army, alongside police and vigilante groups, rescued 19 kidnapped residents during a coordinated operation around Gidan Dogo in Bwari Area Council.

During the rescue, troops reportedly killed one bandit, while others fled with gunshot wounds. An AK-47 rifle and a locally fabricated firearm were recovered.

The threat letter was discovered by a teacher marking a pupil’s homework. The pupil, parents, and school authorities were briefly detained by the police for questioning before being released. News of the letter quickly spread through social media and community groups, heightening fear among residents.

The warning comes a day after suspected bandits attacked a Fulani settlement in Kungaboku, abducting three women and demanding a N70 million ransom.

Kungaboku and Paze, near Byazhin (an extension of Kubwa in Bwari Area Council), have experienced a series of violent attacks in recent months.

In October 2025, Dr Ifeanyi Ogbu, a veterinary doctor and former chairman of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, FCT Chapter, was abducted along with his three children in Kungaboku and later shot in an open field.

On March 5, bandits also kidnapped a retired military officer, Bankole Ganiyu, and three children, while Ganiyu’s wife and two other children escaped. That same day, bandits attacked a farm settlement, killing a vigilante and abducting three workers.

Residents report that attacks have been recurring, with armed groups raiding homes and abducting residents. At least 12 people, including women and children, have been kidnapped in the past two weeks. Victims include the children of a pastor and the wife and sister of a vigilante leader.

In response to the latest threat, the Byazhin Divisional Police Officer convened a meeting at the palace of Kungaboku community head, Chief Ishaya Jagaba, on Saturday.

Police confirmed the existence of the letter and assured residents of proactive security measures, including day-and-night patrols.

Residents were advised to monitor commercial motorcyclists, scavengers, and new community members to prevent informants from aiding attackers. The DPO also urged support for the proposed construction of a police post in Kungaboku.

Despite these assurances, fear remains, with many homes deserted and residents anxious. Community leaders urged calm, stressing that vigilance and cooperation with security agencies could help prevent further attacks.