There is palpable fear in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, following a fresh attack by suspected kidnappers that claimed the lives of two persons and led to the abduction of another.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the gunmen invaded the Gidan Kaji area, near Command Secondary School in Lafia West and attempted to abduct a resident, in the process killing two persons.

It was learnt that one of the victims, a family man who came out to rescue his neighbour, was shot dead by the assailants, while the second victim was killed after he reportedly resisted and engaged the kidnappers in a struggle.

A resident abducted during the attack was said to have been released two days later.

Residents who spoke with our correspondent said the incident was not isolated, describing it as one of several kidnapping cases recorded in the area in recent times.

According to them, the worsening insecurity has forced some residents to flee the community, while some landlords have put their houses up for sale.

A resident who pleaded anonymity appealed to the Nasarawa State government and security agencies to urgently intervene by establishing a police post in the area to deter criminals and ensure a rapid response to distress calls.

“We can no longer sleep with our eyes closed. We need the government to establish a police post here to protect us,” he said.

Corroborating the incident, the District Head of Lafia West, Alhaji Dahiru Abdullahi Othman, Dangaladiman Lafia, said he attended the burial of the two victims.

Othman, who expressed worry over the deteriorating security situation, called on the Nasarawa State Police Command to, as a matter of urgency, establish a police post in the area.

He said the presence of security personnel would strengthen security and reduce criminal activities in the community.

The monarch disclosed that the Federal University of Lafia had provided financial support to strengthen vigilante operations and surveillance around the neighbourhood.

He said stakeholders in the area had met with security agencies on measures to tackle insecurity.

Residents called on the state government and security agencies to intensify surveillance and security operations in Lafia to restore confidence and prevent further displacement.

However, when contacted, the State Police Command said it is not yet aware of the development.