Residents of Kungaboku and neighbouring Paze communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have begun leaving their homes after suspected bandits issued a letter threatening coordinated attacks.
The letter, reportedly discovered in a pupil’s school bag at a private school, warned that the armed group planned to attack both communities to avenge the death of their commander.
Earlier, on March 7, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 7 Guards Battalion, working with police officers and local vigilantes, rescued 19 kidnapped victims during a joint search-and-rescue operation around Gidan Dogo in Bwari Area Council. The victims were mostly residents of Kungaboku and Paze.
During the operation, security forces reportedly killed one bandit, while others fled with suspected gunshot wounds. An AK-47 rifle and a locally made firearm were also recovered from the area.
The threat letter was later found by a teacher while marking a pupil’s notebook in a private school in Paze. The discovery raised alarm, prompting police to question the pupil, parents, teacher and school authorities before releasing them after profiling.
News of the threat quickly spread through community groups and social media, heightening fear among residents.
Tensions were already high after suspected bandits attacked a Fulani settlement in Kungaboku a day before the letter surfaced, kidnapping three women and demanding a ransom of N70 million.
Kungaboku and Paze, located near Byazhin on the outskirts of Kubwa in Bwari Area Council, have experienced repeated attacks in recent months.
In October 2025, veterinary doctor Dr Ifeanyi Ogbu was abducted along with his three children in Kungaboku. He was later shot dead in a field, while the children were taken away.
On March 5, gunmen also attacked the community and abducted a retired military officer, Bankole Ganiyu, along with three children. His wife, a police officer, and two other children escaped unharmed.
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On the same day, the attackers struck a nearby farm settlement, killing a vigilante guard, abducting three workers and forcing six others to flee.
Residents of Paze say armed groups frequently raid surrounding settlements, moving from house to house to abduct people. At least 12 residents, including women and children, have reportedly been kidnapped in the past two weeks.
Among the victims were four children belonging to a pastor, as well as the wife and sister of a vigilante leader. In another incident, a baby was left behind after abductors took other family members.
In response to the latest threat and growing panic, the Divisional Police Officer in Byazhin held a meeting on Saturday at the palace of the Kungaboku community head, Chief Ishaya Jagaba.
Police confirmed the existence of the threat letter but assured residents that security measures were being put in place to prevent attacks.
Residents were advised to stay alert, monitor the activities of commercial motorcyclists and scavengers who may provide information to attackers, and properly screen new residents entering the community.
The police also encouraged the community to support plans to build a police post in Kungaboku, promising regular day-and-night patrols to improve security.
Despite these assurances, fear remains high in Kungaboku and Paze, with many homes deserted and residents anxious about possible attacks. Community leaders, however, have urged people not to panic and to cooperate with security agencies to help prevent further violence.
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