Suspected members of an organised criminal gang invaded Efab Global Estate in the Idu Industrial Area of Abuja on Wednesday, leaving at least five security guards injured and robbing multiple homes.
Eyewitnesses said the gunmen, estimated to be over 20 in number, stormed the estate in a coordinated attack around midnight, shooting sporadically to create panic.
Speaking to our correspondent on Thursday, a resident of the estate who doesn’t want his name in print because of safety reasons, said the attackers overwhelmed the estate’s security personnel, macheting five guards before proceeding to rob six targeted 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.
