Three Soldiers Shot As Gunmen Attack Tribune Editor’s Family

Nasarawa State’s anti-kidnapping squad acted swiftly to foil a kidnapping attempt on the family of Dr. Leon Usigbe, Abuja Bureau Chief of the Nigerian Tribune, early Monday morning.

Naija News understands tha the incident occurred at Dr. Usigbe’s residence on Kurape Road in Karshi, near the Federal Capital Territory, around 12:50 am.

The assailants shot and injured a neighborhood vigilante on guard before one of them scaled the perimeter fence and unlocked the gate, allowing others to enter the compound.

They vandalized windows with stones and tried breaking down the front and back doors but failed to gain entry.

Fortunately, the anti-kidnapping squad, recently deployed due to a surge in abductions in the area, arrived promptly after being alerted.

A shootout ensued, injuring three soldiers, but the squad successfully repelled the attackers, forcing them to flee.

Dr. Usigbe was not present during the attack, but his wife and children were left traumatized.

This incident marks the third kidnapping attempt in the area within three months, with two other families having paid ransoms for the release of abducted loved ones.

It’s worth noting that kidnapping and banditry have been a significant concern in states bordering Abuja, including Nasarawa.

However, the authorities have been working to address these issues, with recent successes like the arrest of two suspects specializing in kidnapping and banditry in Nasarawa, Taraba, and Plateau States.