Kidnapping: Wike pledges positive news within days

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says residents of the territory will get positive news within days with regards to efforts being made to tackle insecurity in the FCT.

“I can assure you that in a matter of days, you will be hearing positive stories,” Wike told a townhall meeting in Kwali on Tuesday.

“We are ready to support our security agencies with whatever they need to ensure that our people can sleep with their two eyes closed.

“We are going to provide the councils with motorcycles to support the vigilante groups so that they can get information and assist our security agencies,” he added.

The minister directed chairmen of the six areas councils in the territory to strengthen and motivate local vigilante groups as part of measures to reinforce community policing.

Wike also asked the councils to procure more motorcycles for the vigilante groups, to enable them navigate difficult terrains while supporting security agencies.

He said that the FCT Administration would soon conclude the procurement processes for more operational vehicles to support security agencies in the discharge of their responsibilities.

“For me, whatever that is going to bring development or improve security, the government has no hesitation in doing it,” he said, adding that residents should support the security agencies with actionable information to address any security threat.

“We need information from you because without information, the security agencies would have little or nothing to do; if you give them information on time, they will make sure that bad things don’t happen,” Wike said.

On infrastructure, the minister promised to construct two roads in each of the six area councils, in addition to the ones being constructed.

The minister said that henceforth the FCT annual budget would rely on inputs from the people.

“Every year, before submitting any budget proposal to the National Assembly, I will meet with traditional rulers and the people to get their inputs.

“This is by way of getting them to recommend people-oriented projects that can be incorporated into the budget; we will not abandon you. We will make sure we develop the area councils.

“Before the end of the tenure of President Tinubu, you will see a lot of infrastructure going on in the area councils.”

Earlier, Kwali Area Council Chairman, Mr Danladi Chiya, appealed for the establishment of a police divisional office and military base in some parts of the area council.

Chiya also complained of bad roads, which according to him, have contributed to the rising insecurity in the area.

“The roads are not motorable, come to our aid to help put the roads in good shape. That will help reduce the incidences of kidnapping.

“We also require further military presence. We need more police stations especially in Gwako which has become a haven for these bad elements.

“We also need motorcycles for the vigilante groups. I have given them some, but we need more,” he said.