Police denies attack, kidnap of residents by Fulani herdsmen in Abuja
News Band Editor, Tim Elombah kicks, recounts ordeal
Get real time updates directly on you device, subscribe now.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command in Abuja has denied reports of attack and kidnap of residents by Fulani herdsmen on Monday.
The FCT Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Josephine Adeh, made the denial in a statement, saying the news that bandits attacked an estate in Gwarinpa Estate, Abuja, and abducted residents is “erroneous”.
News Band had earlier reported that bandits suspected to be Fulani herdsmen reportedly attacked an estate in Gwarinpa, Abuja and kidnapped a yet-to-be ascertained number of residents.
According to the report, the attack took place in Genuine Estate located near EFAB Queens in Gwarinpa, Abuja.
Reacting in a statement, DSP Adeh said:
“The Command wishes to set the records straight that on the 6th June, 2022, a distress call was received from Queens Efab Estate, Kasana, Galadima Area, that there was an ongoing armed robbery operation.
“Operatives of the Command attached to Galadima Divisional Headquarters swiftly responded and upon arrival at the Estate, the robbers took to their heels.”
According to her, the gallant operatives gave them a chase which led to them abandoning some items they had already stolen including some phones and laptops.
She expressed bitterness “that some news platforms chose to trend a false narrative without following the ethics and standards of balanced reportage, thereby inundating the public with false, imaginary and spurious account of what actually transpired.”
She said that the Commissioner of Police, CP Babaji Sunday, has assured residents of the Command’s commitment to their safety and of swift response to all distress calls.
In addition to the above, she added, “members of the public are urged to remain vigilant, strengthen partnership with the Police as touching the rendition of prompt and actionable intelligence, reporting any suspicious or abnormal occurrence to the Police through the following emergency lines: 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653, and 08028940883.
“The Public Complaint Bureau (PCB) desk, could be reached on: 0902 222 2352,” the statement concluded.
The Editor of News Band, Tim Elombah, however, faulted the statement which came after the medium released its report, citing his own kidnap case as reference.
Related Posts
He recalled that during the assault, he called 112 on distress call but help did not come until long after the assailants left with him at gun point.
After the incident, Divisional Pollice Officer (DPO) invited him for “debriefing” and, along the line, told him not to mention that ransom was paid to secure his release obviously so he could claim the release through rescue operation by him and his men.
Mr. Elombah noted that police operatives most at times stay away from crime scenes only to come blaring sirens long after the hoodlums are gone.
In conclusion, he said: “Anyone who believes the police disclaimer needs his head reexamined.
“Was my kidnap case false too? Did we not call 112 on distress call before I was abducted?” he asked.
Read also:
BREAKING: News Band Editor, Tim Elombah abducted, released 20 hours later in Abuja
