Since the start of 2025, Saburi has been plagued by a disturbing rise in criminal activity. Armed robbers have already raided homes four times this year, making off with valuables and millions of Naira. The first attack occurred on New Year’s Eve, when masked gunmen targeted families returning from church on Ikejani Street, Osumeayi Street, Sani Abacha Lane, and other parts of the Saburi community.
The severity of these assaults on residents of this FCT district has shocked the community. LEADERSHIP Weekend, gathered that one harrowing incident involved a security guard who was attacked during a robbery attempt. The assailants brutally attempted to blind him, using extreme violence to eliminate any resistance.
In another instance, a courageous resident was shot while trying to secure his property against the invasion. Such acts have dramatically altered the once peaceful atmosphere of Saburi, forcing many locals to live under the shadow of fear.
Community Response: Vigilance And Pleas For Help
Markus Okechukwu, a respected leader within the Saburi community, shared his concerns about the growing climate of fear in recent months. “On the night of the New Year’s Eve attack, we estimated that over fifteen armed men invaded our area. They vandalised homes and injured several residents. At first, we thought the loud noises were part of the celebrations, but we quickly realised we were under attack,” he explained.
In the wake of this and other robberies, residents turned to the police at the nearby 8th Division station for assistance.
“Sadly, the police response was delayed, arriving only after the criminals had already fled. This delay has only increased the fear felt throughout the community. We reached out to the police multiple times, but by the time they showed up, the criminals were already gone,” he added.
Okechukwu further emphasised that the situation has not improved, as additional robberies took place on January 13 and January 28.
“These attacks involved armed groups of 40 to 50 individuals, highlighting the disturbing level of coordination behind these criminal acts,” he said.
He then made a plea to the FCT Minister, expressing his belief that Wike has the ability to ensure the community’s security, as lives are at risk.
“If we are not secure, we cannot enjoy the facilities being provided. So, I am urging the minister to assist us and empower us to install gates to secure and protect the open spaces where people are entering this resettlement area,” he pleaded.
He can send people for an inspection to come and assess the situation and see the areas we’re referring to. We’re not just speaking without reason. Let him visit, and they should conduct a thorough inspection,” Okechukwu stated.
“He will see the open spaces, the entrances, and understand the urgency of what we’re discussing. The need for these gates is critical to prevent these criminals from entering at any time.”
He continued, “If there’s a threat to life, kidnapping, or theft, the gates can be locked, allowing us to trap the criminals. This will help us monitor who is living among us. If someone doesn’t belong here, proper checks and surveillance must be in place to protect our lives.”
Okechukwu explained that they are requesting the minister’s permission to install gates at all entry points because the previous security gates were removed, leaving open access that criminals are now exploiting.
Other residents also shared their distressing personal experiences. Innocent Idachaba, a veterinary doctor, recalled how a gang of about 30 attackers stormed a neighbor’s house, demanding money and valuables while causing extensive damage.
Alfred Illiya, another resident, shared a terrifying encounter with armed robbers who broke into her home. The robbers seemed to have detailed knowledge of her finances, which made the experience even more traumatic and left her emotionally shaken.
Residents have voiced their frustration with the police, citing delayed responses to distress calls, with officers often arriving only after the robbers had already fled. Many pointed out that the police frequently blame jurisdictional limitations for their inability to act quickly, leaving the community exposed and vulnerable.
Engineering setbacks have only worsened the security issues in Saburi. Community leader Michael Emeka pointed out the lack of a strong police presence, despite the recurring robberies in the area.
Ms. Comfort Jonah, another resident, shared similar concerns, mentioning that police officers stationed nearby often refuse to respond, citing the area as outside their jurisdiction.
Residents also raised alarms about suspicious individuals who pose as scavengers, seemingly gathering information before executing their robberies.
Residents emphasised the critical need for community vigilance and secure checkpoints to better monitor access to the area.
As fear continues to grow in Saburi, residents made a sincere appeal to Wike for help in restoring security measures. They stressed the urgent need for more gates and a stronger police presence to safeguard their homes and livelihoods.
They are calling for a thorough inspection of the area to address these urgent safety concerns.
A resident, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that Saburi was once notorious for kidnappings. To combat this threat, residents took matters into their own hands by installing three gates at key points around the community.
However, they emphasised that their lives are now at stake as security concerns continue to escalate. They are urgently calling on the FCT Minister and security agencies in the nation’s capital to come to their rescue and help restore safety to the area.
