In a dramatic early morning operation, the anti-kidnapping squad in Nasarawa State successfully averted an attempted kidnapping of Dr Leon Usigbe, the Abuja Bureau Chief of the Nigerian Tribune, on Monday at approximately 12:50 am.
The incident took place at Usigbe’s residence in the Karshi community, a neighbourhood near the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to a resident of the area who preferred anonymity, during the attack, one neighbourhood vigilante was shot and injured while on guard.
He said that one of the intruders managed to scale the perimeter fence and unlock the gate, allowing additional assailants to enter the premises.
“Once inside, they vandalised windows with stones and attempted to breach both the front and back doors, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
“Recently deployed from Lafia due to an increase in abduction cases, the anti-kidnapping squad was notified and arrived on the scene within minutes.
“Upon their arrival, the assailants opened fire, injuring three squad members. In a swift response, the squad returned fire, forcing the kidnappers to retreat before they could gain access to the home,” he said.
Information gathered was that at the time of the attack, Usigbe was not at home, but his wife and children were present and left visibly shaken.
This incident marks the third kidnapping attempt in the area within three months, with two families having previously paid ransoms for the release of abducted members.
When contacted, the Nasarawa State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Ramhan Nansel, said: “Our anti-kidnapping unit repelled that incident.”
