Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, launched a series of confidence-building visits to area councils in the region, vowing to intensify efforts against bandits responsible for the ongoing wave of kidnappings and killings.
In response to the alarming increase in criminal activities, particularly in Bwari town, the headquarters of Bwari Area Council, Minister Wike engaged with residents, traditional rulers, and security personnel during a town hall meeting. The minister’s visit follows a string of attacks by bandits that have left communities on edge.
Addressing the gathering, Wike emphasized the government’s commitment to prioritizing security, revealing that President Buhari had convened a high-level security meeting the previous day. The minister declared, “Enough is enough,” asserting that informants collaborating with the bandits would face consequences.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Wike announced that the President had granted approval for the provision of necessary resources to security agencies. He assured the communities that security forces would be well-equipped to tackle the menace, pledging, “It is no longer going to be business as usual. We will do everything in our power to make sure this does not happen again.”
Expressing concern over the region’s vulnerabilities due to its proximity to three states – Niger, Kaduna, and Nasarawa – Wike vowed to make it difficult for bandits to find refuge. He urged the public, especially traditional and community leaders, to collaborate with security agencies by providing crucial information.
Wike cautioned against resorting to crowdfunding for ransom, as it inadvertently supported terrorists. “We have to stop this idea of going to radio to say we are going to raise money,” he asserted, discouraging actions that could embolden criminals.
During the town hall meeting, the Chairman of Bwari Area Council, John Gabaya, recounted recent attacks in the region, highlighting the violent incidents that occurred leading up to last Christmas and in the early days of the new year.
Minister Wike concluded by assuring the public that these interactions would continue, emphasizing the government’s commitment to addressing security challenges at the grassroots level. As the government intensifies its efforts, the residents are urged to collaborate actively in providing information to aid security operations.
