…holds emergency security meeting
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday assured residents of Abuja not to panic because of increasing cases of kidnapping, as the government was doing everything to nip the situation in the bud.
The Miniater stated this shortly before the commencement of an emergency security meeting with heads of security agencies to discuss strategic steps needed to halt the spiraling rate of kidnappings and killings in and around the nation’s capital.
Reports indicate that ABuja within the last three years, recorded over 50 kidnap cases involving over 200 persons. Between October and December 2023, the city recorded about 13 recorded kidnap incidents involving 80 victims.
NewsQuest gathered that those present at the Tuesday meeting with the FCTA minister which held at his area 11 office, were Heads of security agencies in the FCT, and senior officials of the FCTA. Others are chairmen of the six Area Councils, traditional chiefs as well as religious and community leaders.
Wike who spoke to journalists before the closed-door meeting, said, “Our concern is that for the Federal Capital Territory that has virtually every Nigerian, we owe a duty to make sure that this place is safe, to do all we can, and we assure Nigerians who reside here, that there is no need for panic”, the minister stressed.
The Minister noted that together with the Area Councils’ chairmen, the government is poised to proffer effective solutions to the security challenges in the nation’s capital and the country at large.
He said all of these stakeholders owe it a duty to ensure that Abuja is safe and secure for all residents.
“All of us are aware of the security situation in the Federal Capital Territory, particularly Bwari and some other areas that have witnessed security challenges
“We are taking every step to make sure that those challenges are things that we must have to resolve. So, this meeting is practically to look into such challenges and see how we can resolve the problems. And that is why we invited all the council chairmen because they also have a responsibility in their various area councils “ he added.
Wike continued that “So, we will put our heads together and come up with solutions. So, for the press, it is just for you to know that we are not sleeping, security agencies are also not sleeping. We will provide every support that they require to allay the fears of the citizens”.
Warning the Area Council Chairmen against abdicating responsibilities and traveling out of their domains in the heat security challenges, the Minister further said; “This time around, we will not be happy when Area Council Chairmen will abdicate their responsibility and travel out.
“We have gotten reports that council chairmen travel anytime, and then if anything happens, of course, they will not call anybody’s name, they will call the FCT Minister. However, we cannot fold our hands, we have invited them to a meeting this afternoon to see how we can also resolve the problem,” Wike stressed.
Many residents of the city have continued to live in constant anxiety, demanding immediate action from authorities to restore safety and protect their lives and property.
