In the quiet hours of Sunday, May 19, 2024, Dakwa, a peaceful community nestled in the DeiDei area along the Zuba, Suleja road in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, was abruptly disturbed by the terrifying sound of gunfire. The tranquility of the night was shattered as suspected terrorists descended upon the community, initiating their assault from Rufaida Yougout in Dakwa.
The onslaught, which unfolded between midnight and 1:30 am, led to the abduction of four community members and inflicted injuries on numerous others. The assailants advanced towards a well-known petrol station, ‘Buy Filling Station’, and proceeded to Hasmos School. This intrusion ignited a fierce firefight between the local vigilantes and the invaders.
By Sunday morning, Dakwa was teeming with military personnel and high-ranking police officers, who were there to evaluate the situation. Despite the community’s swift action in alerting the relevant security agencies, the abductions could not be thwarted.
Alice Jacob, a local resident, shared her experience of hearing the intense exchange of gunfire but was too petrified to venture out of her home. She estimated that the gunfight lasted for approximately 30 minutes. Bala Usman, another resident, corroborated the incident and implored the government to bolster security measures to safeguard the lives and properties of the community.
Bala Usman encouraged his fellow community members to maintain open lines of communication with security authorities when required. He also suggested regular patrols by security forces, particularly the police, to prevent future attacks.
The Dakwa community is grappling with the aftermath of this traumatic incident. The government’s subsequent actions will be pivotal in reinstating peace and security in the region. The people of Dakwa, like all Nigerians, have the right to reside in a community where they feel secure and protected.