Gunmen abduct veterinary doctor, 3 children on FCT–Niger border

Tension has gripped residents of Kungabokun, a remote settlement along the boundary between the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Niger State, following the abduction of a veterinary doctor, Dr. Ifeanyi Ogbu, and his three children.

According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the incident occurred late Wednesday night at about 11:45 p.m. Armed men reportedly broke into the family home through a window before whisking the victims away to an undisclosed location.

The abduction has sparked fear among locals, who say the community has increasingly become a target for criminal gangs due to its difficult terrain and limited security presence.

“On receipt of the report, police operatives from Byazhin Division, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and local vigilantes were immediately mobilised to the scene. The team is currently combing the surrounding bushes and hills with the aim of rescuing the victims and apprehending the suspects,” sources said.

The sources further disclosed that the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has already opened investigations, assuring the public that every effort is being made to ensure the safe return of the victims.

Meanwhile, troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai have freed two hostages and eliminated a Boko Haram fighter during a clearance operation in Borno State.

According to Zagazola, the October 1 operation was carried out by troops of the 222 Battalion (Main) with the support of volunteer forces on motorcycles in the villages of Mittiri, Loskuri, Tamsu Ngamdu, and Wonori.

During the encounter, one insurgent was killed, the hostages were safely rescued, and a motorcycle belonging to the terrorists was recovered.