The anti-kidnapping squad in Nasarawa State early Monday morning thwarted an attempt to kidnap the family of Dr. Leon Usigbe, the Abuja Bureau Chief of the Nigerian Tribune.
The incident occurred around 12:50 am at his residence on Kurape Road in Karshi, an area adjacent to the Federal Capital Territory.
The assailants were said to have shot and wounded at least one of the neighborhood vigilantes on guard during the attack.
One intruder managed to climb the perimeter fence of his house and unlocked the gate from the inside, allowing the others to enter.
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Once inside, they vandalized windows with stones and attempted to break down both the front and back doors, but were unsuccessful in their attempt.
The anti-kidnapping squad, which had only recently been deployed from Lafia due to a spike in abduction in the area, was alerted and arrived within minutes.
Upon their arrival, the assailants opened fire, injuring three soldiers.
In response, the squad returned fire, causing the kidnappers to flee before they could access the building.
Usigbe was not at home during the attack, but his wife and children were present and left visibly shaken.
This incident marks the third kidnapping attempt in the area within three months, with two families having previously paid ransoms for the release of their abducted members.
No immediate response from the Nasarawa state police command on the incident.
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