The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has told residents of Abuja that there is no need to panic over reports of insecurity in the nation’s capital.
The Minister, who gave the assurance on Tuesday during an emergency meeting with heads of security agencies in Abuja, lambasted the Area Council chairmen saying they “abdicate their responsibilities and travel out” at will adding that such would no longer be tolerated.
There has been a spike in the abduction and killing of residents by bandits, especially in Kuje and Bwari Area Councils.
The News Agency of Nigerian (NAN) reports that the minister, who acknowledged the challenges, said that the government had taken measures to address the ugly situation.
He said that “All of us are aware of the security situation in FCT, particularly in Bwari and some other areas that we have witnessed security challenges. 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.”
Wike explained that the meeting was to assess the security challenges in the FCT and adopt practical solutions.
According to him, the meeting with the heads of security agencies 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.
The minister said, “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 frowned at constant travels by the area councils’ chairmen in the wake of challenges, particularly the current kidnappings and other security issues in the FCT.
The minister who described the development as unacceptable, said that “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.”