The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police, Bennett Igweh, has called on residents and indigenes of Abuja to avoid participating in the nationwide protest scheduled for August 1. The protest, organized by various groups and citizens, is a response to the economic hardship currently affecting the country.
Safety Concerns and Security Efforts
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Igweh emphasized the need to maintain the security and stability of the FCT. He warned that the planned protest could jeopardize the significant efforts made by the police to ensure the region’s safety.
“I want to appeal specifically to the residents and indigenes and everybody in the FCT. Please, lions do not destroy their dens. You cannot see a lion who destroys its den. No, I would not like you to join this protest. I plead with you because we have worked hard to ensure your safety,” Igweh said.
The Commissioner highlighted the sacrifices made by the police, recounting the loss of officers in recent operations aimed at curbing criminal activities in neighboring regions. “We have fought those people outside Abuja. We have been to Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Niger to fight criminals so that you can be safe. I have lost men. Last week alone in Gidango, I lost two policemen. The other day, I lost two more. Let our loss pay for the protest. I want to plead with you.”
Igweh’s appeal underscores the risks associated with mass protests, particularly in terms of public safety and security. The police force, he noted, has been proactive in combating crime and ensuring the safety of FCT residents, making the region one of the safer areas in the country.
Government Efforts and Infrastructure Improvements
Igweh also pointed out the efforts made by the government to improve infrastructure in the FCT, particularly in road development. He cited these improvements as evidence of the government’s commitment to the region’s progress and development.
“If you check, the government has provided good roads. Whether it’s from the minister of FCT or the president, check the streets in FCT, from Wuse to anywhere you can check, even in the hinterlands. They are trying their best. I don’t need to talk to anybody, but I’m saying it because we have been in the FCT. We know when there are changes. There are changes now in the FCT,” he stated.
He expressed concern that the protest could attract miscreants from outside the FCT, potentially leading to the destruction of these improvements. “And we don’t want miscreants outside the FCT to come and start destroying them. We will go back to square one where we were before. I plead, I beg of you, do not join this protest.”
Igweh’s comments reflect a broader concern about maintaining public order and preventing the escalation of violence or vandalism that could undo the progress made in the FCT. The improvements in infrastructure and the overall safety of the area are achievements that he believes should be protected and preserved.
Call for Collective Responsibility
The Commissioner concluded by urging residents to act responsibly and appreciate the efforts made to ensure their safety. “Let us continue collectively to make the FCT safe. Let them go and do what they want to do. But not with us. Act maturely. Act maturely. Act like people who appreciate. Even the losses we have suffered to ensure your safety. Use it to appreciate us. If you do this, we will be happy. We will continue to provide security for you. God bless all of you,” he appealed.
Igweh’s call for collective responsibility is a reminder of the importance of community cooperation in maintaining public safety. His appeal to the residents’ sense of appreciation and maturity is aimed at fostering a sense of unity and common purpose in keeping the FCT secure.
Source: Punch
