Fresh fears over the worsening security situation around the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have emerged after a retired Nigerian Army officer was shot in the chest and left for dead by suspected terrorists during a midnight raid on Karshi, one of Abuja’s satellite communities.
The victim, Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Michael Eneware, a retired public relations officer who last served at the Nigerian Army War College, Abuja, narrowly escaped death after the attackers abandoned him in a bush, believing he had died from the gunshot wound.
The July 29 attack also resulted in the abduction of one of Eneware’s neighbours, who was reportedly released after a ransom was paid, raising fresh concerns over the growing activities of armed gangs operating on the outskirts of the nation’s capital.
Speaking on his ordeal, Eneware recounted how heavily armed assailants stormed the neighbourhood shortly after 1:00 a.m., breaking into homes in search of victims to kidnap.
“They came to my house around 1:00 a.m. They invaded the neighbourhood. I wasn’t specifically their target; they were simply looking for people to abduct for ransom,” he said.
According to him, the attackers exploited an unfinished perimeter fence to gain access to his compound before forcing their way into the house.
“They were shooting, breaking doors and causing panic. They dragged me out of my house into the bush. They were armed with guns, machetes and cutlasses.”
Eneware said his wife and children escaped unharmed by hiding during the invasion.
“My wife hid with the children. They didn’t touch my family. Their interest was to take people away.”
He said he and a neighbour were forced deep into the bush before exhaustion overwhelmed him.
“I told them I couldn’t continue. One of them kept hitting me with an iron rod, but I couldn’t move any further.”
His inability to keep pace, he said, infuriated the gunmen.
“Then one of them shot me in the chest. They left me there because they thought I was dead.”
Against all odds, the retired soldier regained consciousness and struggled through the pain in search of help.
“By God’s grace, I regained consciousness. Despite the pain and blood loss, I crawled and walked until I got close to some houses.”
Residents, frightened by the prolonged gunfire, were initially reluctant to come out.
“Nobody wanted to open their doors because of the gunshots. Eventually, some youths and security personnel got information and rescued me.”
He was first taken to the Nigerian Army Hospital before being transferred to the National Hospital, Abuja, where he received further treatment.
“It was a terrible experience. It is only God that saved me,” he said.
His abducted neighbour was later released after relatives reportedly paid ransom to the kidnappers.
Reflecting on the attack, Eneware expressed shock that suspected terrorists could strike so close to the Federal Capital.
“I never imagined they would operate here. When you see them physically, they are the same terrorists you see in the media. They are evil people.”
He warned that the attackers appeared familiar with the community and deliberately targeted vulnerable homes.
“They study the environment. They know where to enter and how to escape. They know exactly what they are doing.”
The attack has heightened anxiety among residents of Karshi and neighbouring communities, many of whom have begun installing surveillance cameras, reinforcing perimeter fences and improving security around their homes.
Although discharged from hospital, Eneware said he remains in pain and is still recovering from the traumatic experience.
“I am recovering gradually, but the experience will remain with me for a long time.”
The latest attack adds to growing concerns over the persistent wave of kidnappings and terrorist activities in communities bordering the Federal Capital Territory, despite ongoing security operations aimed at flushing out criminal groups from forests and rural settlements surrounding Abuja.