Insecurity: Don’t panic, Wike tells Abuja residents

FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, says the FCT Administration is taking steps to address security challenges affecting some areas of the nation’s capital.

Wike gave the assurance while addressing journalists before a close-door emergency meeting with security agencies and other critical stakeholders in Abuja on Tuesday, January 16, 2024.

There has been a spike in the abduction and killing of residents by bandits, especially in Kuje and Bwari Area Councils of the FCT.

The minister, who acknowledged the challenges, urged residents not to panic, saying the government has taken measures to address the situation.

Wike said: “All of us are aware of the security situation in FCT, particularly in Bwari and some other areas that we have witnessed security challenges.

“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.”

The minister stated that the meeting was to assess the security challenges in Abuja and adopt practical solutions.

He said the meeting was expanded to include the chairmen of the six area councils, because they also have a responsibility in ensuring peace and security in their areas.

“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,” Wike added.

Wike frowned at constant travels by the area councils’ chairmen in the wake of challenges, particularly the current kidnappings and other security issues in Abuja.

He described the development as unacceptable, saying: “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.

“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.”

The Star