ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, held an emergency closed-door meeting on Tuesday with heads of security agencies in the FCT and Chairmen of the six Area Councils.
The meeting was prompted by recent incidents, including the deaths of Nabeeha Al-Kadriyar and 13-year-old Folasade Ariyo, both victims of kidnappings in the Bwari and Dutse-Alhaji areas of the FCT, respectively.
Wike reassured FCT residents, stating that there is no need to panic. He emphasized that he and security agencies are actively addressing the security challenges in the territory.
The Minister expressed concern about the security situation and highlighted the collective responsibility to ensure the safety of Abuja, a city hosting people from across Nigeria.
During the closed-door meeting, Wike stated that solutions to the security challenges would be discussed collaboratively with the Area Council Chairmen, acknowledging their role in addressing security concerns within their respective councils.
Wike urged Area Council Chairmen not to abdicate their responsibilities and emphasized that the meeting aimed to ensure a unified effort in resolving security issues.
He stressed the commitment of both the government and security agencies to provide necessary support and alleviate citizens’ fears.
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The Minister’s actions come in response to public outcry and concerns about the increasing incidents of kidnappings, including the demand for a ransom of N700m for the release of victims.
The emergency meeting reflects a proactive approach to address and find solutions to the security challenges faced by the FCT.
“All of us are aware of the security situation in the Federal Capital Territory, particularly Bwari and some other areas that have witnessed security challenges.
“Our concern is that for the Federal Capital Territory that has virtually every Nigerian, we owe a duty to make sure that this place is safe, to do all we can, and we assure Nigerians who reside here, that there is no need for panic”, the minister said.
“We are taking every step to make sure that those challenges are things that we must have to resolve. So, this meeting is practically to look into such challenges and see how we can resolve the problems. And that is why we invited all the council chairmen because they also have a responsibility in their various area councils.
“So, we will put our heads together and come up with solutions. So, for the press, it is just for you to know that we are not sleeping, security agencies are also not sleeping. We will provide every support that they require to allay the fears of the citizens”, he said.
Wike also stated that he would not be happy to receive news of Area Council Chairmen abdicating responsibilities and travelling, especially while there were security challenges in their various councils.
“This time around, we will not be happy when Area Council Chairmen will abdicate their responsibility and travel out. We have gotten reports that council chairmen travel anytime, and then if anything happens, of course, they will not call anybody’s name, they will call the FCT Minister. However, we cannot fold our hands, we have invited them to a meeting this afternoon to see how we can also resolve the problem,” the Minister said.