A community in Asokoro Extension, Kpaduma 3 in Abuja, was thrown into chaos as gunmen suspected to be kidnappers attacked houses and exchanged fire with local vigilantes on Monday night.

The attack, which lasted for over a few hours, was described as one of the most terrifying incidents in the community, as bullet sounds, a grenade-like blast, were heard by commuters.

Witnesses who spoke with newsmen described the invaders as “kidnappers” who came from a nearby village called Kobi, and stated that some people were injured. Two girls were raped and one of the vigilante’s named “Bako” was shot dead.

One of the residents who questioned why the particular house was targeted said: residents had asked the landlord for security upgrades months earlier, requests which they said were not acted upon.

Officials have not yet issued a public statement attributing responsibility; police arrived later and residents say calm returned only after officers were deployed.

While some residents said they wanted visible patrols, better perimeter security, and quicker police response, the fact still remains that fear and frustration have eclipsed this community.

When Tribune Online reached out to the FCT Command’s Spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, for clarification on the matter, she did not reply messages sent nor pick calls placed to her.