In response to the alarming increase in security challenges within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, convened an emergency closed-door meeting with heads of security agencies and Area Council Chairmen.
News About Nigeria gathered that the meeting aimed to address growing concerns and offer solutions to the rising incidents of kidnappings and security threats in the nation’s capital.
The move follows recent incidents, including the kidnapping and subsequent death of Nabeeha Al-Kadriyar in the Bwari Area and the abduction of 13-year-old Folasade Ariyo and her family in the Dutse-Alhaji Area of Abuja.
The perpetrators of the latter incident raised their demands from an initial N60 million ransom to N700 million after the killing of Folashade Ariyo.
Addressing the press before the closed-door meeting, Minister Wike assured residents that there was no need to panic.
He said that he, along with other security agencies, were fully aware of the security challenges and were actively working to resolve them.
Wike acknowledged the responsibility to ensure the safety of Abuja residents, emphasising the commitment to finding effective solutions.
“We owe a duty to make sure that this place is safe. We are taking every step to resolve the problems. So, this meeting is practically to look into such challenges and see how we can resolve the problems,” Wike said.
He further pointed out the importance of collaboration with Area Council Chairmen, urging them to actively engage in addressing security concerns within their respective councils.
Expressing concern over reports of council chairmen travelling out during periods of security challenges, Wike pointed out the need for their active involvement.
“We will not be happy when Area Council Chairmen abdicate their responsibility and travel out. We have invited them to a meeting this afternoon to see how we can also resolve the problem,” he added.
