Gunmen Kill 1, Abduct Another In Maitama

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on Wednesday night struck in Maitama, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), killing one resident and abducting another.

In a viral video circulating online, the gunmen were said to have attacked Gana Street in the highbrow Maitama area at about 8:39pm on Wednesday.

The video showed a male victim, who was killed when he tried to rescue a man that was being forced into a black Prado SUV by the suspected kidnappers.

Also, another male victim was alleged to have been taken away in the SUV car before any help could come.

However, the FCT command police spokesperson, DSP Josephine Adeh, said it was a case of robbery and not kidnapping.

She said, “Two residents, one male and the other a female, drove into a pharmacy in the Maitama District area of the FCT. While the female proceeded into the pharmacy, the male remained by the car waiting.

“It was thereafter reported that some armed hoodlums numbering about six came in a Mazda vehicle and forced him into his car, a Toyota Landcruiser Jeep with Diplomatic Registration Number GD CD 071 and took off with him.

“Unfortunately, a passer-by who attempted to come to his aid was shot in the head and later confirmed dead at the Maitama District Hospital.

“Police operatives embarked on a round-the-clock patrol to ensure the rescue of the abducted victim. The suspects finally, after much pressure, dropped him along the Kubwa Expressway,” she said.

The police spokesperson said operatives of the FCT command are diligently following all leads to effect the arrest of the suspects and recover the stolen car.

Meanwhile, the FCT commissioner of police, Mr Babaji Sunday, has directed that all hands must be on deck to ensure the safety of commuters and residents of the nation’s capital, particularly at wee hours.