The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has issued directives to security agencies to take decisive action against criminals involved in the vandalism of streetlights in Abuja.
Dr. Peter Olumuji, Secretary, Command and Control Centre, Department of Security, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), revealed this in an interview with NAN in Abuja on Monday.
Wike, upon assuming office as FCT minister, prioritized the restoration of streetlights as part of his agenda to illuminate the city and enhance Abuja’s status as the national capital. Despite ongoing efforts to restore and activate streetlights throughout the city, vandals have targeted the facilities, particularly solar-powered ones in various areas.
While acknowledging the significant improvement in street lighting in the FCT in alignment with the minister’s directive, Olumuji emphasized that the current sabotage is being carried out by unidentified criminals.
The FCTA Department of Security Service has received reports on the vandalization, primarily occurring during the night. The miscreants focus on solar-powered streetlights, damaging batteries, solar panels, lighting mechanisms, and poles.
Olumuji expressed concern, stating, “The streetlights were bought with taxpayers’ money and installed to brighten the city at night and ensure that FCT is secured, but sadly, some criminal elements among us are vandalising them. This is sad.”
