Widespread fear has gripped residents of Kungaboku and Paze communities in the Federal Capital Territory after suspected bandits allegedly issued a threat letter warning of a coordinated attack.
Widespread fear has gripped residents of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) following a threat allegedly issued by suspected bandits warning of a planned attack on Kungaboku and neighbouring Paze communities.
Several residents of Kungaboku and Paze, located near Byazhin, an extension of Kubwa in Bwari Area Council, have reportedly fled their homes after news of the threat circulated across community groups and social media platforms.
The alleged threat was contained in a letter reportedly discovered inside a pupil’s notebook at a private school in Paze.
According to residents, the letter-believed to have been written by suspected bandits-warned of an imminent attack on Kungaboku and neighbouring communities to avenge the killing of their commander.
The discovery was reportedly made by a teacher while marking the pupil’s homework.
Following the incident, the pupil, parents, teacher and school authorities were invited by the police for questioning. They were later interrogated, profiled and released.
The threat comes days after troops of the Nigerian Army, specifically the 7 Guards Battalion under the Guards Brigade, conducted a joint operation with the police and local vigilantes.
During the operation on March 7, 2026, security operatives rescued 19 kidnapped victims, most of whom were residents of Kungaboku and Paze.
The victims were freed during a coordinated search-and-rescue mission carried out around Gidan Dogo in Bwari Area Council.
Troops reportedly killed one bandit during the operation while others fled with suspected gunshot wounds.
Security forces also recovered one AK-47 rifle and a locally fabricated firearm from the area.
Tensions escalated further when suspected bandits attacked a Fulani settlement in Kungaboku shortly before the threat letter surfaced.
During the attack, three women were abducted and the attackers reportedly demanded a N70 million ransom.
Residents say the communities have witnessed repeated attacks in recent months.
In October 2025, a veterinary doctor, Ifeanyi Ogbu, was abducted alongside his three children in Kungaboku.
Ogbu, a former chairman of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (FCT Chapter), was later shot dead in an open field while the children were taken away.
Similarly, on March 5, 2026, suspected bandits attacked Kungaboku again and abducted a retired military officer, Bankole Ganiyu, along with three children.
His wife, a police officer, and two other children reportedly escaped the attack unharmed.
On the same day, gunmen also attacked a nearby farm settlement, killing a vigilante member and abducting three farm workers, while six others managed to escape.
Residents of Paze say attacks have become increasingly frequent, with armed groups reportedly moving from house to house abducting residents.
Local sources say no fewer than 12 people have been kidnapped within the past two weeks, including women and children.
Among the victims were four children of a pastor, as well as the wife and sister of a vigilante leader. In one case, kidnappers reportedly left a baby behind during an abduction.
In response to the rising tension, the Byazhin Divisional Police Officer convened an emergency meeting with community leaders on Saturday.
The meeting was held at the palace of Kungaboku’s community head, Chief Ishaya Jagaba.
During the meeting, police authorities confirmed the existence of the threat letter but assured residents that proactive security measures were being implemented.
Residents were advised to remain vigilant and regulate the activities of commercial motorcyclists and scavengers, who security officials said sometimes serve as informants for criminal groups.
They were also encouraged to properly profile new residents moving into the community.
The Divisional Police Officer also urged community members to support the proposed construction of a police post in Kungaboku to strengthen security presence.
He assured residents that regular day-and-night security patrols would be intensified to prevent any attack.
Despite these assurances, anxiety remains high across the communities, with deserted homes and residents closely monitoring the security situation.
Community leaders, however, appealed to residents not to panic, urging them to cooperate with security agencies to help prevent further violence.
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