News Editor
By David Odama
Uncertainty, fear and apprehension is said to be grappling Agyaragu community in Jenkwe development area, Obi local government of Nasarawa over increased cases of kidnapping and killings.
The fear of the residents followed invasion of the community by unknown gunmen who attacked a pharmacy shop, shot a young lady and abducted the owner of the pharmacy and two of his sales boys at Agyaragu in Jenkwe development area, Obi local government.
TMSnews gathered that the operation by the suspected kidnappers took place at about 8:44pm on Thursday evening and lasted for more than an hour without respite from the security operatives.
An eyewitness account who pleaded anonymity claimed that the gunmen invaded the Pharmacy, shooting sporadically killing an ayoung lady who was a passerby.
“The gunmen were well armed. Their shutting scared everybody. They forced the owner of the pharmacy and two of his boys into the bush,” the eyewitness claimed.
According to the eyewitness, efforts by some youths in the community to prevent the abduction of their victims were resisted with heavy repealing shootings.
“The act of violence in our community has sent shockwaves throughout the community. There is urgent need for increased security measures and effective governance to restore security within the community and the state as a whole”.
Some resident who spoke to TMSnews, decried a situation in which Agyaragu residents now lived in fear, following frequent kidnapping, and killings is escalating in the community.
“Demands for ransom with families and loved ones being forced to pay exorbitant sums to secure the release of their abducted relatives has become a recurring matter in our community”.
The concerned residents however called on governor Abdullahi Sule to deplore government mechanisms for increase security presence in Agyaragu community and other parts of the state.
They also appealed to the security agents for effective surveillance and prevention of kidnapping as well as ensure the safe release of abducted victims.
