GUNMEN RAID ABUJA ESTATE, MACHETE SECURITY GUARDS, ROB RESIDENTS

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By Oduola F.A.

Suspected members of an organized criminal gang launched a violent attack on Efab Global Estate in the Idu Industrial Area of Abuja on Wednesday, injuring at least five security guards and looting several homes.

According to eyewitness accounts, more than 20 armed men carried out the coordinated assault around midnight, firing gunshots wildly to instill fear and chaos.

A resident, who spoke to reporters on Thursday under the condition of anonymity for safety reasons, said the assailants overpowered the estate’s security team, inflicted machete wounds on five guards, and went on to ransack six specific homes.

The resident added that during the siege, the heavily armed criminals carted away cash, mobile phones, jewellery, and other valuables.

The resident said, “We were woken by the sound of gunshots and screams. It was terrifying. The gunmen were over 20 and overpowered our security guards. They macheted five of our security guards. The criminals stole cash, mobile phones, jewellery and other valuables.

“In some cases, victims were coerced into transferring money to designated accounts under duress.”

A message by the estate security committee obtained by our correspondent stated they laid siege around the estate and shot randomly.

The statement partly read, “In a coordinated operation, about 40 armed individuals linked to an organised criminal group infiltrated the Efab Global estate in Idu. Thereafter, the gunmen conducted a siege around the estate and shot randomly to commence their operation, causing panic, fear and confusion.

“The police were not alerted immediately due to residents’ fear and agitation. The Security Committee alerted the police around 0400hrs local time, and they arrived later.

“The attack highlights a security breach in the estate, with the attackers gaining access and causing harm to residents and security personnel.”

The FCT police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, could not be reached as of the time of filing this report.