The Saburi residential district in the DeiDei area of Abuja is facing an alarming surge in criminal activity, as hoodlums continue to terrorize the neighborhood. Residents are living in constant fear after multiple robberies since the start of the year, with the criminals using alarming tactics to carry out their attacks.
According to residents, the hoodlums often send “scavengers” to survey the area before returning in the night to strike. Since January 1, 2025, the area has been attacked at least three times, with valuables and millions of Naira stolen from homes.
The first attack occurred on the night of December 31, 2024, when residents were returning from church. The masked gunmen targeted several streets, including Ikejani, Osumeayi, Sani Abacha Lane, and Saburi, and caused significant damage. During the attack, they attempted to harm a security guard, Sunday Ogbor, and shot at a resident who tried to stop them from entering his compound.
Residents shared their harrowing experiences with DAILY POST. One anonymous resident recalled how Saburi had once been notorious for kidnappings. “We had to install three gates around the community because kidnappers would come every two or three days,” they said. “Now, they’ve shifted to armed robbery, and it’s terrifying.”
Ogbor, the security guard, shared his brutal encounter: “They tied me up, hit me on the head, and cut my face with a knife. I was left for dead and can’t see properly now,” he said.
Another resident, Gift Udago, recounted how over 30 hoodlums broke into his home on January 15, using machetes and guns to rob him and his tenants. “They pushed down my gate, broke my windows, and demanded money and phones,” Udago said. “It was terrifying. They shot someone on January 15 too.”
The Women Leader of Saburi, Princess Amaka Chijioke, explained how the criminals specifically targeted her after learning she had withdrawn a large sum of money from the bank. “They followed me into my room and took everything,” she said. “There were about 20 of them. I barely escaped with my son.”
Residents have expressed frustration over the lack of police response. “When we call the police, they take so long to arrive that the robbers are long gone,” one resident said. “We’ve even had to start guarding our own streets at night. The police just don’t seem to care.”
Saburi has seen repeated robberies over the past few years, yet police presence remains weak. Vice Chairman of Saburi, Engr Gerald Aziegbe, lamented the lack of police action. “This is the fifth time we’ve been robbed, and nothing has changed. No one was even arrested.”
Even when police did arrive, as in a January 25 attack, they claimed the area wasn’t within their jurisdiction. “When we called the police, they said it wasn’t their area. It took over two hours for help to arrive, and by then, the criminals had already escaped,” said Chairman of the 4Bedroom Area, Anyanwu Ugonna.
Residents believe the robbers are using a clever tactic by disguising themselves as scavengers to scout the area before launching their attacks. “We’ve noticed them acting as scavengers, and that’s how they learn where to strike,” Ugonna added.
Despite repeated calls for help, the police have not responded to requests for comment on the situation, leaving residents desperate for intervention.
