Gunmen abduct 18-year-old boy in Abuja, demand N30 million ransom

It is alleged that individuals suspected of involvement in the kidnapping of an 18-year-old male from a residence in the vicinity of Jibrilla Hotel on Kurape Road in Karshi, a settlement in Nasarawa State in proximity to Abuja, have abducted the individual above. The assault, perpetrated by four armed assailants, occurred in the late evening hours. The perpetrators promptly transported the victim to a waiting getaway motorcycle, which was stationed further down Kurape Road. According to sources, three members of the gang provided escort services for the victim to the motorcycle before departing at high speed. In the early hours of this morning, the abductors contacted the boy's family, demanding a ransom of 30 million Naira for his release. The operation bears a resemblance to a previous incident of kidnapping that occurred on the same road. On August 29, 2024, individuals suspected of involvement in kidnapping gained access to the residence of a property owner and father, forcibly removing him from his main bedroom. Neighbors disclosed that the perpetrators had devised the plan for the attack, even resorting to poisoning the victim's dog a day before the raid. The August incident, which occurred between 10 and 11 p.m. during a rainstorm, involved the assailants creating an opening in the fence and gaining access to the victim's residence without being noticed. The sound of the generator rendered the intruders' presence undetectable, thus precluding the possibility of calling for assistance. In interviews, residents requested anonymity and revealed that the tall crops on nearby vacant land had provided cover for the perpetrators in both incidents. In light of these developments, residents are advocating for enhanced security measures to address the growing prevalence of kidnappings in the region.