Unknown gunmen, suspected to be armed bandits, invaded the community in large numbers (reportedly over 100) and abducted His Royal Highness, Alhaji Hassan Shamidozhi, the traditional ruler of Bukpe community in Kwali Area Council, FCT, Abuja. The incident occurred between 9 pm and 10 pm as he was sitting outside his palace to receive fresh air after bathing. The Chief Imam of the Bukpe Community Central Mosque, Malam Jibrin (who is a sibling to the monarch), was also attacked and wounded during the invasion
30 Mar 2022 · Bukpe, Kwali Area Council, FCT
Deaths
1
Injured
0
Kidnapped
4
Total casualties
1
Perpetrators
Bandits
Response
Security agencies were informed and investigation into the matter was ongoing
Displacement
0
Socioeconomic drivers
Weak security presence in peripheral FCT communities, enabling criminal networks to operate with impunity.
Trajectory
This incident was part of a wave of kidnappings targeting traditional rulers across the FCT and neighboring states in 2021–2022. After his release, the monarch described his experience: he was taken across streams, hills, and valleys; tied with thick rope every night; and estimated his captors numbered over 200, all armed with sophisticated weapons
Cycle notes
The abduction of Hassan Shamidozhi, the traditional ruler of Bukpe in Kwali Area Council of the FCT directly echoed the 27 November 2019 abduction of Mohammed Ibrahim Pada, the traditional ruler of Rubochi in Kuje Area Council of the FCT, and the 16 January 2022 abduction of Da Gyang Balak Gut, the Da Gwom Rwei of Vwang District in Jos South LGA of Plateau State, reflecting a sustained pattern of banditry targeting traditional leaders across North-Central Nigeria. This incident also connects to the 2 January 2018 abduction of Yohanna Sidi Kukah, the Agwom Akulu II of Ikulu in Kaduna State; the 19 October 2018 killing of Dr. Maiwada Raphael Galadima, the Agom Adara III of the Adara Chiefdom in Kaduna State; the 20 April 2020 kidnapping of Alhaji Shehu Sulaiman, the Pankwal Bogghom of Bogghon District in Kanam LGA of Plateau State; the 26 December 2021 abduction of Charles Mato Dakat, the Sum Pyem of Gindiri in Mangu LGA of Plateau State; the 1 February 2024 killing of Oba Peter Segun Aremu-Cole, the Olukoro of Koro in Ekiti LGA of Kwara State; and the 15 May 2025 abduction of Oba James Dada Ogunyanda, the Obalohun of Okoloke in Yagba West LGA of Kogi .
Pattern
Traditional ruler kidnapping
Related — Kidnapping
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In a daring operation targeting the Presidency’s inner circle, Alhaji Musa Umar, the Magajin Garin Daura, was abducted from his home when six gunmen arrived in an unregistered blue Peugeot 406 shortly after Maghrib prayer, fired into the air to disperse bystanders, and forced him into the vehicle before fleeing.
A series of Bandits attacks began on Mada community in Zamfara State. Armed men killed one vigilante and abducted seven residents during the raids.