By Patrick Idowu
Concerns over security have risen in Abaji Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory following an influx of non-indigenes into the area.
The Ona of Abaji and Chairman of the FCT Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Alhaji Adamu Baba Yunusa, raised the alarm during a security meeting at his palace attended by traditional rulers, community leaders, transport unions and security agencies.
The monarch expressed worry over the growing presence of unfamiliar persons, particularly from Kogi State, where security forces are intensifying operations against bandits. He said many of the new arrivals were seeking refuge in Abaji to evade security checks.
Briefing the meeting, the Abaji Police Area Commander, Sadiq A. Yusuf, disclosed that seven rooms had recently been rented to some of the strangers at Unguwar Abattoir. He said police promptly intervened and ensured the occupants vacated the premises.
Yusuf assured the monarch of sustained collaboration among security agencies, stressing that visitors from neighbouring states would be properly profiled before being allowed to settle. He noted that Abaji’s strategic position as a major entry point into Abuja made vigilance imperative.
Also speaking, the Divisional Police Officer, MD Kudu, said raids were ongoing at brothels and lodging houses to prevent criminals from finding safe haven in the area.
A representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency added that recent operations led to the arrest and prosecution of a suspected drug dealer who operated between Abaji and neighbouring communities.
