Abuja, Nigeria – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has blamed some politicians for creating tension and propaganda about kidnapping in Abuja, saying the government is on top of the situation.
In a video that was later deleted by a platform – Symfoni News on its YouTube handle, Wike said some politicians were bent on making sure the government does not survive by spreading false information about the security situation in the FCT.
He described the politicians as paid blackmailers who exaggerate the incidents of kidnapping and ignore the efforts of the government to improve the infrastructure and services in the capital city.
No place is crime-free, says Wike
Wike, who is also the chief security officer of the FCT, said it was impossible to stop crime completely in any part of the world, and that kidnapping was not a new phenomenon in Nigeria.
He said the government was aware of the security challenges and was working with the security agencies to address them.
“You cannot stop total crime. Let somebody tell me as a professional that there is anywhere in this world where there is no crime. Because kidnapping happened last night in one or two places, therefore, there is insecurity in the whole of FCT. That is not correct,” he said.
He lamented that citizens do not complement the government’s efforts and are ready to fault areas that have not been resolved.
“When we came here, people say everything in Abuja has collapsed, no street light, no road. How many of you have even come out to commend us in these five months? All you do is pick one that has not been solved or that appears to be the problem. You forget the ones that the government has put effort which has yielded results,” he added.
FCT Senator to summon Wike over insecurity
Meanwhile, the Senator Representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe, said the Senate will summon Wike and heads of security agencies over the spike in crimes in the nation’s capital.
Kingibe, on Sunday, disclosed that the Senate will summon Wike and the security chiefs to explain their plans for protecting the people of the FCT.
She said she was concerned about the increasing reports of kidnapping for ransom and killing in the FCT, especially in the rural areas.
“It is not that I am hoping. I know he will be summoned. But whether he responds or not is a different matter entirely. But as the chief security officer of the FCT, he should have a plan,” she said.
Residents live in fear amid kidnappings
The FCT has witnessed a surge in kidnappings in recent months, with several cases reported in the Bwari, Kuje, Gwagwalada, and Abaji area councils.
Last week, five of the six sisters of the Al-Kadriyar family were kidnapped alongside 19 others by bandits in the Bwari area of Abuja and regained their freedom on Saturday, January 20.
Gunmen killed the eldest of the six sisters – Nabeeha Al-Kadriyar, and three others, and dumped their corpses in an isolated area. The kidnappers reportedly demanded a ransom of N100 million for the release of the victims.
Many residents of the FCT have expressed fear and anxiety over the spate of kidnappings, calling on the government to beef up security and rescue the victims.
Government vows to end banditry in FCT
The FCT Administration has assured the residents that it is doing everything possible to end the menace of banditry and restore peace and security in the territory.
Wike, last Wednesday, said the Federal Government would not condone any form of bandit attack in Abuja. He said this at a town hall meeting he had with residents of the Bwari Area Council of the FCT. He convened the meeting following increasing reports of kidnapping for ransom and killing in the FCT.
Wike also urged the residents to cooperate with the security agencies and report any suspicious movement or activity in their areas.
He said the government was committed to providing quality infrastructure and services to the people of the FCT and appealed for their support and patience.
Source: Punch
