Wike Asssures Abuja's Resident Not To Panic

FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike 

 “There is no need for panic; sometimes the press overblows what is happening,” Wike reassures Abuja residents

According to Mr. Wike, the purpose of the meeting was to identify the security issues facing the FCT and come up with workable solutions

Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), says the administration of the FCT is acting to address security issues that some areas of the territory are experiencing.

Tuesday, before a closed-door emergency meeting with security agencies and other important stakeholders in the region, Mr. Wike gave the assurance to journalists in Abuja.

There has reportedly been an increase in the number of bandits kidnapping and murdering locals, particularly in the Kuje and Bwari Area Councils.

The minister, while acknowledging the difficulties, advised the people not to panic because the government has taken action to rectify the unpleasant situation.

The meeting, the minister explained, was to evaluate the security threats facing the Federal Capital Territory and devise workable solutions.

He explained that the six area council chairs were invited to the meeting since they too had a duty to maintain safety and tranquility in their districts.

“All of us are aware of the security situation in FCT, particularly in Bwari and some other areas that we have witnessed security challenges.

“Yes, I am aware that sometimes too, the press overblows what is happening, but all of us are concerned and we owe a duty to make sure that FCT is safe.

“We will do all we can, and we assure Nigerians who reside here that there is no need for panic. We are taking every step to make sure that the challenges are resolved,” he said.

The purpose of the meeting, according to the minister, was to evaluate the security risks facing the Federal Capital Territory and implement workable remedies.

He said that since the chairmen of the six area councils are also accountable for maintaining peace and security in their respective regions, the meeting was extended to include them.

“So, we will put our heads together to come up with solutions; we are not sleeping, the security agencies are not sleeping, we will provide every support that they require to allay the fears of the residents,” he said.

See Also: Wike Orders Security Services To Crack Down On FCT Streetlight Vandals

Mr. Wike disapproved of the chairmen of the local councils' frequent travels in the wake of difficulties, especially the recent kidnappings and other security problems in the Federal Capital Territory.

He stated that he found the development to be unacceptable; “This time around, we will not be happy where area council chairmen will abdicate their responsibilities and travel out.

“We have gotten reports that the council chairmen travel any time, and if anything happens, they will not call anybody's name but the FCT minister's.

“So, council chairmen should know that they must wake up to their responsibilities. It is not everything that happens people will say that the ministers are not taking steps.”