Gunmen staged a brazen attack on Bmuko community in the Dutse Baupma area of Bwari Area Council, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on Monday night, abducting four residents.

According to Mr. Isah, a community member, the invasion commenced around 11:50 pm at the residence of Engineer Patrick, where his wife and brother were among those kidnapped.

The assailants, reportedly numbering around 30, descended upon Zone C, Road 5, unleashing gunfire before forcibly entering the engineer’s home and abducting two family members.

He said “From the engineer’s house, after carrying his wife and brother, they divided themselves into two groups. One group went towards the riverside that leads to Kubwa and Bwari, while the other group went towards the hillside.

“It was the group going towards the hillside that stopped at a nearby house where they kidnapped a Pastor and another young man. We could not do anything, we were scared to death during the period of the attack.”

A community leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, disclosed that they first became aware of the attack when gunshots rang out just minutes before midnight.

He stated that it was then that a fellow resident, residing among them, alerted them to the dire situation via a voice message on their communication platform, indicating that they were under assault.

He said “Swiftly, our security personnel came down, we had to make calls to the FCDA Police Station, luckily we had intervention from them, and soldiers also came to our rescue. However, the whole thing turned to something else, as nobody was arrested.

“The kidnappers went with three or four people. As we speak, the soldiers that went in search of them have returned without rescuing them. The policemen are still in the bush searching for them.

“We have been demanding for Police outpost here in the Bmuko community, this is a populated environment. Whatever is happening here is not out of the knowledge of the security architecture of the FCT.”

Emphasizing the need for increased police presence, the community leader highlighted that regular patrols, occurring three to four times a week, would significantly enhance security and reinforce the presence of law enforcement in the area.

“The people will also be guided both in information and movement. We are trusting that those kidnapped would be rescued safely. They have not contacted anyone yet. We are seriously praying for their safety.

“The wife and brother of one Engineer Patrick were also among the people that were kidnapped, and also a Pastor. The kidnappers came with AK47, because some of the guys during the night search picked up about two or three bullets of AK47 on the ground

The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, and the entire command are in mourning following the tragic death of a Police Inspector, Sunday Baba.

Biztellers reports that Inspector Baba was shot and killed by unknown assailants on Wednesday night.

However the details of the incident remain unclear.

CP Disu expressed his condolences in a post via his X handle, recognizing Inspector Baba’s bravery and dedication to duty while serving in Rumuolumeni, Rivers State.

He wrote, “Yesterday night, Inspector Sunday Baba, a brave Police Officer serving at Rumuolumeni in Rivers State, made the ultimate sacrifice while on duty.

“Though the perpetrators fled, we recovered their vehicle. Tragically, the officer’s phone revealed 59 missed calls, 51 of which were from his wife. We bore the heavy burden of delivering the heart-wrenching news to her.

“Being a Police officer means leaving home in good health, never certain of returning alive. Those who take the lives of police officers are murdering those who stand as the guardians of the people. Let’s honour the sacrifices of our officers, may their sacrifice not be in vain.

“Goodbye, Sunday. Rest In Peace, Fallen Hero, PoliceFamily, Ultimate Sacrifice.”

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has noticed the rising tide of commentaries, opinions, assumptions and insinuations concerning its progressive investigations into the alleged financial misappropriation in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.

At the outset of investigations, past and suspended officials of the Humanitarian Ministry were invited by the Commission and investigations into the alleged fraud involving them have yielded the recovery of N32.7billion and $445,000 so far.

Discreet investigations by the EFCC have opened other fraudulent dealings involving Covid -19 funds, the World Bank loan, Abacha recovered loot released to the Ministry by the Federal Government to execute its poverty alleviation mandate. Investigations have also linked several interdicted and suspended officials of the Ministry to the alleged financial malfeasance.

It is instructive to stress that the Commission’s investigations are not about individuals.

The EFCC is investigating a system and intricate web of fraudulent practices. Banks involved in the alleged fraud are being investigated. Managing Directors of the indicted banks have made useful statements to investigators digging into the infractions.

Those found wanting will be prosecuted accordingly. Additionally, the EFCC has not cleared anyone allegedly involved in the fraud. Investigations are ongoing and advancing steadily. The public is enjoined to ignore any claim to the contrary.

On the issue of the works of the Commission against Naira abuse, dollarization of the economy and the enforcement of all extant laws relating to them, the EFCC appreciates the avalanche of public awakening, support and involvement demonstrated so far. Increasingly, members of the public are drawing the attention of the Commission to video recording of abuse of the Naira by Nigerians from all walks of life. These gestures amply demonstrate rising consciousness of the public to the sanctity of our national currency and the need for collaborative engagement to sustain the tempo.

To this end, the Commission will always investigate and prosecute anyone involved in the abuse of the Naira. Old videos being exhumed and flying around for the attention of the Commission are noted as the Commission is sensitive to the fact that its Special Task Force against Naira Abuse and Dollarization of the economy commenced operations on February 7, 2024. However, going forward, new videos of such infractions will be investigated and prosecuted.

At the moment, the Commission is investigating several celebrities involved in Naira abuse. Many of them have made useful statements to the Commission and many more have been invited by investigators working on the matter.

The EFCC will not relent in its no-sacred-cow mode of operations and the public should be wary of running afoul of laws against the crime.