The anti-kidnapping squad in Nasarawa State in the early hours of Monday, thwarted an attempt to kidnap the family of State House Correspondent and Bureau Chief of the Nigerian Tribune, Dr. Leon Usigbe.

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It was gathered that the incident occurred around 12:50 am at his residence located on Kurape Road in Karshi, an area that is adjacent to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The assailants reportedly shot and wounded one of the neighbourhood vigilantes on guard during the attack.

One of the assailants, according to sources within the vicinity, succeeded in scaling the perimeter fence of Dr. Usigbe’s house and successfully unlocked the gate from the inside, allowing the others to enter.

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Having gained access into the compound, the suspected assailants allegedly vandalised windows using stones and attempted to break both the front and back doors, but were unsuccessful.

The anti-kidnapping squad, which had only recently been deployed from Lafia due to a spike in abduction incidents in the area, was alerted and the men promptly arrived within minutes.

READ ALSO:Anambra Police foil kidnap attempt of foreigner

Upon their arrival, the assailants were said to open fire on the operatives. The development prompted the squad to return fire and caused the kidnappers to flee before they could access the building.

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Dr. Usigbe was on leave and away during the attack, but his wife and children were present and left visibly shaken.

Confirming the incident when The Guardian reached him on telephone, Dr Usigbe disclosed that the incident was the third attempt by kidnappers who have invaded the area within three months.

Sounding frightened, the State House correspondent was full of gratitude to God for His shield over his family. He stated that two other families in the neighbourhood had previously paid ransoms for the release of abducted members.

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