Growing safety concerns are dominating conversations among residents in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with many saying insecurity has become one of the most pressing challenges affecting their communities and daily lives.
Across several parts of Abuja, residents say fears of attacks, kidnappings and violent confrontations have begun to influence how people move around, interact with strangers and carry out everyday activities. While some communities have directly experienced incidents of violence, others say the growing reports of insecurity in nearby areas have created a constant sense of unease.
Speaking to RBN, a resident, Mr. Ibrahim, pointed to recent developments in Gwagwalada Area Council, where he said tensions have been rising among local farmers and individuals allegedly entering the area for mining activities.
“We have seen it in Gwagwalada area council, people there are dominant farmers, you will see a lot of people from the far north going there saying they are digging gold and destroying farmlands, and if you dare talk to them, they will attack you,” he said.
According to him, disputes around farmland and mining activities have sometimes escalated into violence, leaving residents worried about their safety and the protection of their livelihoods.
“About a month ago, one man in his house, they just cut off his hand and nothing was done about it,” he added, describing what he believes is a troubling sign of rising insecurity in the area.
For other residents, the fear of kidnapping and violent clashes has become even more immediate. Mr. Rapheal, who also spoke with RBN, said members of his community are currently dealing with the aftermath of a recent abduction.
“Right now my people are in the hands of kidnappers. In my village they packed about 21 people, they are in the bush right now with them telling us that we should give a ransom of 30 million naira,” he said.
Rapheal also spoke about ongoing tensions between farmers and herders in rural communities, saying disputes over farmland have at times turned deadly.
“We also experience the issue of herdsmen, when people are going to their farm, the herdsmen will push their cow into the farm and when they talk, they will slaughter them like they are slaughtering chickens,” he said.
Amid these concerns, many residents say they are increasingly worried about the limited presence of security infrastructure in some communities. According to them, the absence of nearby security checkpoints or police stations often leaves residents feeling exposed, particularly in areas located farther from the city center.
“We don’t have any army checkpoint, or even police stations to safeguard the people and their properties,” one resident said, stressing the need for more visible security measures.
As fear grows increasingly palpable in the community, residents are calling on government authorities and security agencies to intervene more quickly and strengthen protective measures in vulnerable communities.
For many living in and around Abuja, the hope is that stronger security measures will help restore a sense of safety and confidence within their communities.
Report by Princess Alabi