Residents of Kungaboku and Paze communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have abandoned their homes following a threatening letter from suspected bandits vowing coordinated attacks. The letter, allegedly discovered in a pupil’s school bag at a private school in Paze, claimed the attacks would avenge the killing of a bandit commander.
The panic comes after a string of recent violent incidents. On March 7, troops of the 7 Guards Battalion, alongside police and vigilantes, rescued 19 kidnapping victims from the area during a coordinated operation near Gidan Dogo in Bwari Area Council. During the operation, one bandit was reportedly killed, while others fled with gunshot injuries. Authorities also recovered an AK-47 rifle and a locally fabricated firearm.
The threat letter was found by a teacher marking a student’s homework. The pupil, parents, and school staff were temporarily detained for questioning before being released. News of the threat quickly spread through community networks and social media, intensifying fear.
The situation worsened a day earlier when suspected bandits attacked a Fulani settlement in Kungaboku, kidnapping three women and demanding a ₦70 million ransom. Over the past two weeks, at least 12 residents—including women and children—have been abducted from the communities. Notable incidents include the October 2025 killing of Dr. Ifeanyi Ogbu, a veterinary doctor, and the March 5 abduction of retired military officer Bankole Ganiyu and three children.
In response, the Byazhin Divisional Police Officer convened a meeting at the palace of Kungaboku’s community head, Chief Ishaya Jagaba. Police confirmed the letter but assured residents that proactive security measures would be in place, including regular day-and-night patrols. Residents were advised to remain vigilant, monitor the activities of commercial motorcyclists and scavengers, and profile new community members to prevent infiltration by criminals.
The DPO also encouraged the community to support the proposed construction of a local police post to strengthen security. While fear remains high and many homes are deserted, community leaders urged calm and cooperation with security agencies, emphasizing that collective vigilance could help deter further violence.
