Attackers storm Kubwa area under cover of darkness, leaving one dead and another kidnapped as residents raise alarm over repeated insecurity

Residents of a community near the Quarry axis along Arab Road in Abuja have been thrown into panic following a late-night armed invasion that left one person dead and another abducted.

The incident occurred within the Kubwa axis of the Federal Capital Territory when suspected gunmen reportedly infiltrated the area through a hilly route behind the neighbourhood, opening fire sporadically as they advanced.

According to community sources who spoke with 9News Nigeria correspondent in Abuja, the attack took place between late Saturday night and the early hours of Sunday, with residents first alerted by heavy gunfire that disrupted the quiet of the area.

Despite resistance from local vigilante operatives, the armed men were said to have forced their way into a targeted residence during the attack.

According to PunchNG‘s report on the incident, a community secretary, identified simply as Dairo, said the assailants engaged local security in a brief exchange before breaking into the home of the victim.

“We started hearing gunshots. The local security tried to repel them, but they were able to force their way into the house,” he said.

He explained that during the invasion, one resident was shot inside the apartment, while another—his younger brother—was abducted by the attackers.

“While the exchange was going on outside, they entered the house, shot him, and took his brother away,” Dairo added.

The wounded victim was rushed to a medical facility but was later confirmed dead on Sunday morning, according to community accounts.

Another resident, who requested anonymity, confirmed the fatality, describing the situation as devastating.

“The boy is dead. He didn’t survive. They took him to the hospital, but he died later,” the resident said.

Community leaders said police officers arrived at the scene after the attackers had already escaped through the same hilly route used to access the area.

The incident is the latest in a series of violent attacks recorded in the community in recent years. Residents say it marks at least the third successful kidnapping operation in the area.

Dairo recalled earlier incidents, including the abduction of a National Youth Service Corps member around 2021 or 2022, during which another resident was also killed. He also noted a separate case last year where a resident was kidnapped and released only after ransom was paid.

He further revealed that a recent attempted invasion, just weeks earlier, was repelled by local vigilantes and hunters stationed within the community.

In response to recurring attacks, residents say they have relied on a local security network made up of vigilantes and hunters. However, community leaders insist that the arrangement is no longer sufficient to deter armed groups.

They are now calling on authorities to establish a permanent security presence in the area, including a police station or intensified patrol operations.

“If there is a police post here or regular patrols, it will help prevent these attacks. The presence of security will scare them away,” Dairo said.

As of press time, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command had yet to issue an official statement regarding the attack or any ongoing investigation.

The latest incident adds to growing concerns over persistent insecurity and recurring kidnappings in parts of Nigeria, particularly in peri-urban and rural communities around the capital.