After Several Kidnapping Reports, Wike Pledges to Make Abuja ‘Hot’ for Bandits

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, asserted on Wednesday during a town hall meeting with residents of the Bwari Area Council that the Federal Government will not tolerate any form of bandit attack in Abuja.

Wike, who previously met with security agencies and top officials to address the rising incidents of kidnapping and violence in the FCT, disclosed that Bola Tinubu had instructed him to ensure the provision of all necessary resources for the security agencies.

Emphasizing that business as usual was no longer acceptable, Wike expressed the government’s commitment to tackling the security challenges in the territory.

The statement followed recent incidents, including the abduction and killing of residents, such as 13-year-old Folashade Ariyo from Sagwari Estate Layout in Dutse-Alhaji Area and Nabeeha Al-Kadriyar, a 400-level student of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, who was kidnapped alongside 22 others in Bwari.

READ ALSO: Abuja Kidnappers Kill 3 of 10 Victims, Increase Ransom to N700m

Speaking on Wednesday, Wike said, “Security is one of the key priorities of Mr. President’s administration. Yesterday, Mr President summoned a high-level security meeting, which includes all the Service Chiefs, the Minister of Defence, and my humble self, because of recent attacks, particularly in Bwari. And so, currently, it is one of the key priorities, that Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda will want to face squarely.

“It is no longer going to be business as usual. Everything has to be done to protect lives and property. Without protection of lives and property, then we have no business in government. My coming here today is to assure you that we are very serious. All those criminals, bandits, enough is enough. We will do everything in our power to make sure that we will not allow this to happen again. That is why just this morning, Mr. President has given me approval, to provide everything required to the security agencies. And just like what Etsu-Bwari and Sarkin-Bwari said, it is not by merely talking, we are serious.

Security agencies will not have any reason to say that they are not equipped; we will provide everything required. I know how big Bwari is, I know that you have boundaries with three states: Niger State, Kaduna State and Nasarawa State. I know because these bandits were chased away from the Northeast, so they are making their way here, we will make it hot for them,” he said.

During a recent discussion, John Gabaya, the Chairman of Bwari Area Council, revealed that the council is composed of 16 districts, with over 90 villages and hamlets. He emphasized that the Council’s extensive size and challenging terrain exacerbate the security challenges they face.

In light of these difficulties, Gabaya urged the allocation of essential logistics to enhance the capabilities of security agencies in the region. He specifically highlighted the necessity for, at a minimum, one vehicle and seven motorcycles in each district to facilitate effective patrol and surveillance. Additionally, he appealed for training and retraining programs for the hunters and villagers enlisted by the Council to contribute to the area’s security.