The Senate has summoned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, in a decisive action triggered by an increase in kidnappings within the FCT. This comes amid growing concerns over Abuja’s deteriorating safety and security situation.
The urgency of the matter was underscored by Senator Ned Nwoko, who raised the motion under the banner of urgent national importance. He emphasized the alarming spread of kidnappings within the FCT and the resultant threat to public safety. Senator Nwoko drew attention to the recent abduction of 19 individuals in the Galadimawa area, including his Senior Legislative Aide, Barrister Chris Agidi, where tragically 12 lives were lost.
Senator Enyinaya Abaribe echoed these sentiments, expressing distress over the siege-like conditions in various parts of Abuja. He emphasized that as the FCT, Abuja should be a bastion of safety, expressing deep concern about the challenges in tracing kidnappers who demand ransom through mobile phones.
Former FCT Minister, Senator Adamu Aliero, threw his weight behind the motion and advocated for an investigation into the $500 million allocated for the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) in Abuja. According to Aliero, the installed cameras were deemed useless, leaving citizens vulnerable to criminal activities. He also questioned the approved N1.5 trillion for security agents nationwide, calling for rigorous oversight by the National Assembly to scrutinize the fund’s utilization.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio voiced his apprehension about the FCT’s security situation, and the Senate responded by approving the motion’s proposals. These encompass joint operations involving various security agencies, a directive for the FCT Minister to reassess the CCT camera installation contract, a call for the IGP to intensify security patrols, and the mandate for committees to investigate and recommend strategies to prevent future kidnappings in the FCT.
Akpabio reassured the public that Senate committees were actively conducting public hearings and pledged amendments to relevant laws. He commended Senator Ned Nwoko for bringing the motion forward and expressed optimism for the safe return of all kidnapping victims.
