Human Rights Activist and Convener of Concerned Nigerians, Deji Adeyanju, has pointed to the demolition of shanties and poor people’s homes as a key factor contributing to the rising insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Criticizing the actions of FCT Minister Nyesome Wike, Adeyanju called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to step in and address the growing crisis of kidnapping, maiming, and killings in Abuja.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, Adeyanju expressed deep alarm and outrage over the rampant kidnappings and killings plaguing the FCT in recent months. He highlighted the abrupt displacement of individuals, including scavengers, and the destruction of shanties as exacerbating factors in the city’s deteriorating security situation.
“Rather than providing these displaced individuals with alternative means of sustenance, their eviction to the streets has increased desperation and criminal activities,” Adeyanju said. He emphasized that the poor, neglected and marginalized, have been driven to crimes like kidnapping as a means of survival.
According to a report by The Guardian, Adeyanju criticized Minister Wike for his negligence and failure to address the needs of these communities, arguing that it has led to a cycle of crime. “When the poor have nothing left to eat, they will turn to the rich,” he warned.
Urging President Tinubu to intervene and hold Wike accountable for the security challenges in the FCT, Adeyanju stressed the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of people over political battles. He called for decisive action to safeguard the lives and property of Abuja’s inhabitants.
Additionally, Adeyanju appealed to the security agencies to improve their intelligence gathering and intensify efforts to make the city safer. The protection of citizens, he noted, should be their primary focus, and they should leave no stone unturned in combating criminal elements.
“If our concerns are not urgently addressed, we at Concerned Nigerians are prepared to protest peacefully to demand justice and security for all,” Adeyanju stated. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, with the lives of innocent citizens at stake.
Adeyanju concluded by stressing the need for the FCT Minister to fulfill his responsibilities and for security agencies to show their commitment to protecting the people of Abuja. “Residents deserve a safe and secure environment to live, work, and thrive,” he affirmed.
