The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has summoned an emergency security meeting owing to rising security concerns, especially in the nation’s capital. Recently incidents of bandits breaking into houses and kidnapping residents have been on the rise. These incidents have unfortunately created panic among residents with specific reference to the abduction of 10 persons in Sagwari Estate Layout, Dutse Bwari Area Council last week, resulting in the gruesome murder of two of the victims Folorunsho Ariyo, and Nabeeha Al-Kadriyar. Addressing the meeting Wike assured FCT residents that their safety was guaranteed, adding that the government was working to support security agents with all that they need to tackle insecurity.
“All of us are aware of the security situation in the Federal Capital Territory, particularly Bwari and some other areas that witnessed challenges. I am aware that sometimes, the press overblows what is happening, but all of us are concerned about the Federal Capital Territory, virtually every Nigerian has the duty to make sure that place is safe, we do all we can and we assure Nigerians who reside here that there is no need to panic.
“We are taking every step to make sure that those challenges are resolved; so this meeting is practically to look into such challenges and see how we are able to resolve them. That is why we invited all the council chairmen because they also have responsibility in their various area councils, so we have to put our hands together to come up with solutions.
“So for the Press, is just for you to know that we are not sleeping, security agencies are also not sleeping, we provided every support that they require in order to alleviate the fear of the citizens. This time around, we will not be happy when area council chairmen abdicate their responsibility and travel out, we have gotten reports that council chairmen travel any time and then if anything happens, of course, they will not call anybody’s name, they will call the FCT minister.
“Recently NUT embarked on strike, it is not our fault, it’s area councils, primary schools are under the area councils, but again it will look as if the minister is not doing enough.
“However, we can’t fold our hands, we have invited them to the meeting this afternoon to see how we can also resolve the problem, so council chairmen should know that you live up to responsibility, is not everything that happens they would say it is the ministers that are not taking steps.
“So for your information, just know that we doing everything we can to resolve the security challenges we are currently facing, thank you very much.”
Meanwhile, The FCT Commissioner for Public Complaint Dalhatu Ezekiel has asked the Federal Government to prioritize the FCT’s security situation and immediately declare a state of emergency.