A devastating wave of violence has swept through the Byazhin community in Kubwa, Abuja, leaving three innocent residents dead and many more injured. The carnage was unleashed by a group of notorious hoodlums, known as “baban bola”, who initially attempted to steal a woman’s pot of soup but were thwarted by brave neighbors and passersby.
Jessica Adams, a resident of the area, recounted the harrowing events to Punch. “The hoodlums returned with weapons, including machetes, clubs, and stones, and began attacking residents at random. The woman whose pot of soup was stolen was killed, along with two others – a woman and a young boy – who were unfortunate passersby.”
The violence erupted on Tuesday evening and continued into Wednesday morning, leaving the community in a state of panic. “The crisis started yesterday, and by this morning, we learned that three persons had been killed,” said a resident who wished to remain anonymous. “The area is usually dangerous, especially in the evening, and people avoid passing through there alone.”
The police intervened and restored normalcy, but no arrests were made. To prevent further bloodshed, the police have intensified their patrols in the Byazhin area of Kubwa.
In the aftermath of the violence, schools and shops in the area have been closed, with parents rushing to pick up their children and merchants refusing to open their businesses.
This senseless act of violence has left the community reeling, and residents are calling for justice and increased security measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Trauma and grief affect not only the families of the victims but also the community at large, potentially leading to long-term emotional and psychological damage.
Fear and anxiety grip the community, causing a sense of unease and apprehension among residents.
The increase in security measures and police presence may create a sense of safety.
Also the closure of schools and shops disrupts daily life and livelihoods, causing financial losses and inconvenience.
The community’s reputation and attractiveness suffer, potentially leading to decreased investment and economic growth.