Fear grips FCT Communities after suspected bandits issue warning

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

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

Earlier, on March 7, troops from the 7 Guards Battalion, alongside police and vigilantes, rescued 19 kidnapped residents from the area during a coordinated operation around Gidan Dogo in Bwari Area Council. One bandit was reportedly killed, while others fled with suspected gunshot wounds. Authorities also recovered an AK-47 rifle and a locally fabricated firearm.

The letter’s discovery caused widespread alarm, spreading quickly through community networks and social media. The pupil, parents, teacher, and school authorities were briefly detained, profiled, and released by police after the incident.

The situation escalated following a prior attack on a Fulani settlement in Kungaboku, where three women were kidnapped and a ransom of N70 million demanded.

Kungaboku and Paze have experienced repeated violent attacks. In October 2025, Dr. Ifeanyi Ogbu, a veterinary doctor, was killed after being abducted along with his three children. On March 5, bandits abducted retired military officer Bankole Ganiyu and three children, killed a vigilante, and attacked a farm settlement, abducting three workers while six others escaped.

In total, at least 12 people, including women and children, have been kidnapped in the past two weeks. Victims include children of a pastor and relatives of a local vigilante leader.

In response to the latest threat, the Byazhin Divisional Police Officer held a community meeting at the palace of Kungaboku’s chief, Ishaya Jagaba. Police confirmed the letter and assured residents of enhanced security measures, including day-and-night patrols. Residents were also advised to monitor activities of commercial motorcyclists and scavengers, and to profile new community members.

Plans for a new police post in Kungaboku were discussed, with authorities urging residents to support its construction.

Fear remains high in Kungaboku and Paze, with many homes deserted, though community leaders urged vigilance and cooperation with security agencies to prevent further attacks.