Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has asked residents not to panic in the face of recent upsurge of criminal activities in the nation’s capital, especially, kidnapping.
Wike made this statement on Tuesday after a meeting with some heads of security agencies in the Federal Capital Territory.
Wike acknowledged the difficulties and challenges the people are facing and told them not to worry since the administration was taking steps to resolve the unpleasant situation.
“All of us are aware of the security situation in FCT, particularly in Bwari and some other areas where we have witnessed security challenges,” he said.
“Yes, I am aware that sometimes too, the press overblows what is happening, but all of us are concerned and we owe a duty to make sure that FCT is safe.
“We will do all we can, and we assure Nigerians who reside here that there is no need for panic. We are taking every step to make sure that the challenges are resolved.”
Hia assurance came as a response to recent kidnappings in the FCT.
On January 5, armed individuals invaded a neighbourhood in Abuja’s Bwari area council, kidnapping numerous individuals, including a household consisting of six sisters.
Nabeeha, one of the six sisters, was killed by the kidnappers on Sunday, allegedly as a message to the family for not providing the N60 million ransom.
He stated that because the chairmen of the six area councils are also accountable for maintaining peace and security in their respective regions, the meeting was extended to include them.
“So, we will put our heads together to come up with solutions; we are not sleeping, the security agencies are not sleeping, we will provide every support that they require to allay the fears of the residents,” he said.
Wike condemned the attitude of council chairmen who engage in frequent trips in the aftermath of recent abductions.
“This time around, we will not be happy where area council chairmen will abdicate their responsibilities and travel out.
“We have gotten reports that the council chairmen travel any time, and if anything happens, they will not call anybody’s name but the FCT minister’s,” he added.
“So, council chairmen should know that they must wake up to their responsibilities. It is not everything that happens people will say that the ministers are not taking steps.”
