Gunmen have reportedly kidnapped 19 persons in the Bwari Area Council of the nation’s capital, Abuja.
The victims were kidnapped on Thursday, September 7, 2023.
A young Seminarian of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja identified as Rev Ezekiel Nuhu, is said to be among the kidnapped victims.
Kwali Area Council chairman, Danladi Chiya disclosed this on Thursday, September 7, 2023, at the maiden meeting between the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike and the six Area Council Chairmen.
Speaking on the challenges confronting the councils, Chiya appealed to the minister and the Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud to come to their aid.
“When we heard about your appointment, we were happy because you have been a Council Chairman and therefore understand our challenges,” he said.
“Our challenges are inadequate funding of the local government system. We have a major challenge of insecurity across the six Area Councils. Just today (Thursday), about 19 people were kidnapped in Bwari Area Council. I just received about five in my council who were in captivity for about six days,”
Wike, who was surprised at the developments, said he would summon the FCT Director of State Security Services as well as the Commissioner of Police to receive adequate briefings on the kidnap incident and facilitate rescue operations.