gunmen have stormed the Kawu community in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), abducting a total of 23 individuals

The community of Kawu is located at the border of Niger and Kaduna states.

According to Abdulmumini Zakari, the Councilor representing the area and deputy speaker in the council, the armed men attacked the community in the early hours of Thursday, January 11, 2024, coming from the Kuyeri Forest in Kaduna State. The assailants divided themselves into groups, with some entering the palace of the district head, Alhaji Abdurrahman Danjuma Ali. They kidnapped Ali's son, Lukman, as well as his wife, whom he had recently married.

Other members of the gang targeted the residence of Alhaji Alhassan Sidi Kawu, the Marafa of Kawu and a former PDP Chairman of Kawu Ward. They took him and his four children captive. Additionally, Sarkin Pawan Kawu, Gambo S Pawa, had his compound invaded, resulting in the abduction of him, his two wives, and several children.

S.P Josephine Adeh, the spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, has confirmed the incident, stating that unknown hoodlums ventured into Kawu village, which borders Kagarko LGA in Kaduna State, and conducted the kidnapping. She explained that the criminals raided the area and made their escape into Kaduna State.

The incident has caused fear and apprehension among the residents of Kawu, as kidnappings and banditry have become prevalent in many parts of Nigeria. Efforts are being made by security agencies to track down the perpetrators and secure the safe release of the abducted individuals.