Insecurity: Wike Summons Emergency Security Meeting, Pledges to Resolve Kidnappings, Killings

By: Wisdom Acka

FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday in Abuja, summoned an emergency security meeting to find solutions to security challenges confronting the nation’s capital.

Addressing journalists after the close door meeting in his office, the Minister disclosed that the FCT Administration was taking steps to nip insecurity in the bud.

While urging FCT residents not to panic, the Minister stressed that practical steps would be taken to resolve the ugly incidents.

His words: “All of us are aware of the security situation in FCT, particularly in Bwari and some other areas. 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.”

The Minister, however, noted: “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.”

He explained that the involvement of the six Chairmen of the Area Councils was necessary because they also have a responsibility within their various Councils.

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

The Minister, however, frowned at constant travels by the Chairmen in the midst of challenges, particularly the current kidnappings and other security challenges affecting the Council areas.

He, therefore, stated that their constant journeys abroad was no more acceptable, considering the critical positions they hold in addressing the challenges.

“This time around, we will not be happy, where Area Council chairmen will abdicate their responsibility and travel out,” he said.

“We have gotten reports that the Council Chairmen travel anytime, and if anything happens, they will not call anybody’s name, but the FCT Ministers,” Wike stated.

“Recently NUT have embarked on strike. It is not because of our fault; it is the Area Council, because primary schools are under the purview of the Area Councils,” the Minister reiterated.

“Again, it will look as if the Ministers are doing nothing, but that is not our responsibility, however, we cannot fold our hands,” he warned.

The Minister disclosed that he has invited the striking teachers for a meeting this afternoon to resolve the problem.

“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”, he cautioned.