In response to the escalating incidents of kidnapping and violence perpetrated by bandits in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Minister of FCT, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has launched a series of confidence-building visits to area councils within the territory. The minister declared that security agencies would intensify efforts to make it challenging for bandits to operate, emphasizing that enough was enough.
Wike’s visit, which began in Bwari town, the headquarters of Bwari Area Council, included a town hall meeting with residents, traditional rulers, security, defense, and intelligence personnel, as well as other stakeholders. The minister is expected to extend these visits to other councils in the coming days.
During the event, Wike stressed the urgency of the security situation and announced President’s approval to provide all necessary resources to the security agencies. He underscored that the protection of lives and property is a top priority for the government, and decisive action would be taken to address the security challenges in the FCT.
Wike sought the assistance of the community in providing crucial information to security agencies, emphasizing the role of traditional and community leaders in this collaborative effort. He warned potential informants that they would face consequences and urged the public to refrain from resorting to crowdfunding for ransom, as it only emboldens the bandits.
The chairman of Bwari Area Council, John Gabaya, highlighted recent violent attacks by kidnappers in various communities within the FCT. He recounted incidents in Tokulo, Kuduru, Zuma village, Dutse-Sagwari, Padan-Gwari Village, and Kawu Village, where residents were injured, killed, and abducted.
Minister Wike concluded by assuring the public of the government’s commitment to tackling the security challenges head-on. He vowed to make the FCT “hot” for the bandits, urging citizens to collaborate in the collective effort to ensure the safety and security of the entire region.
