News
Fear Grips Abuja Residents As Gunmen Invade Hotel, Kidnap Owner, Ex-Lawmaker, Others
Palpable fear has gripped residents of Tunga Maje village, near Zuba in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja following the invasion and abduction of scores at the Hilltop Hotel lodge located in the area.
Unknown gunmen on Thursday, stormed the hotel premises and abducted Hon. Friday Sani Makama, Prince Frederick Adejoh and others yet to be identified, JomogNews Nigeria reports.
Hon Makama was a former lawmaker in the Kogi State House of Assembly who recently dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the forthcoming 2023 general elections.
He was abducted alongside Prince Adejoh who is currently the Oma Onu Aya of Igala land.
Fear grips Abuja residents as kidnappers, bandits close in on Nigeria’s capital
It was gathered that the suspected kidnappers invaded the area, shooting sporadically to scare security guards away before whisking the victims away to an unknown destination.
DAILY POST reports that the incident disrupted daily economic activities in the area as residents were plunged into unusual tension over more attacks.
A motor spare parts dealer in Zuba Market who identified himself simply as Kelechi, told DAILY POST correspondent that some residents living near the hotel have deserted the area for a safer place.
“Things we use to hear from a very far place have gradually come to us here in FCT. According to what we heard, the gunmen were heavily armed with sophisticated weapons.
“If they can attack the hotel with the kind of security they have there, then what do you think would happen to the common man? These criminals don’t care whether you are rich or poor. They attack everybody.
“We heard that some workers who are just hustling to get what to eat were also abducted. So who is safe? We are all in.”
Another resident of FCT, Mr Aruna Omoha lamented the security situation in the nation’s capital, revealing that the number of unreported cases supersede the ones reported.
“In FCT, criminals are silently killing residents on a daily basis without the knowledge of the media and even the security agencies. Most times, when the assailants abduct a resident, they would warn the family members not to involve the police or the media.
“Due to fear of the victim being killed, the family members would not report the case and that is how the ransom will be paid and anything on the contrary, the victim will be killed”, he said.
According to DAILY POST, the Tunga Maje and the Kaduna-Abuja highway has been a den for kidnappers and hoodlums who usually move into the city at will launch mayhem on innocent residents.
There have been series of attacks in several parts of the city by criminal elements who migrated from the neighbouring sates like Niger, Kaduna States and others where banditry is currently surging.
A security personnel who pleaded not to be mentioned in print, expressed fear over possible invasion of the city by the Boko Haram insurgents.
“What we can’t tell is how these elements get into the city despite the level of tight security in many parts of the territory.
“It is my fear that the Boko Haram may also gain entrance into the city like they did in Niger. Some of the places they captured in Niger State are not far from the FCT. We all have to be vigilant”, he said.
Recall that on May 21, this year, the Nigeria Police Force alerted the general public of possible attacks by Boko Haram terrorists and other criminal elements in the cities of Abuja and Jos, Plateau State.
The alert was contained in a letter addressed to the Commissioners of Police and the Command Headquarters of
the FCT/Plateau State and signed by Ag. CP Idowu Owhunwa, Principal Staff Officer to the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba.
The letter said, “Intelligence report at the disposal of the Inspector-General of Police has uncovered plan by Boko Haram Terrorists to attack major cities in the country, particularly in Jos, Plateau State and the FCT, Abuja,” it stated.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, ASP Mariam Yusuf confirmed the latest development.
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim
How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
Your Second Coming Was A Chance To Avoid These Political Mistakes – Fayose To Fubara
Corruption Battle: Dangote Drags Ex-NMDPRA Boss To EFCC After ICPC Withdrawal
Rivers Crisis: Full List Of 8 Misconduct Allegations Against Governor Fubara
Panic In Ibadan As Rising Kidnap, Robbery Threats Trigger Official Red Alert
Wizkid Becomes First African Artist To Enter Spotify’s 10 Billion Streams Elite
Funke Akindele’s Behind The Scenes Becomes West Africa’s All-Time Box Office King
