Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has urged residents not to panic over the rising waves of insecurity in the nation’s capital.
He assured that the FCT Administration was taking steps to address security challenges.
Wike gave the assurance while addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, before a closed-door emergency meeting with security agencies and other critical stakeholders in the FCT.
There has been a spike in the abduction and killing of residents by bandits, especially in Kuje and Bwari Area Councils.
The minister, who acknowledged the challenges, urged residents not to panic, assuring them that the government had taken measures to address the situation.
“All of us are aware of the security situation in FCT, particularly in Bwari and some other areas where 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 minister explained that the meeting was to assess the security challenges in the FCT and adopt practical solutions.
He said that the meeting was expanded to include the Chairmen of the six area councils because they also have a responsibility to ensure peace and security in their areas.
“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.
Wike frowned at constant travels by the area councils’ chairmen in the wake of challenges, particularly the current kidnappings and other security issues in the FCT.
He described the development as unacceptable, saying: “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.” (NAN)