In recent years, the issue of insecurity in urban centers have become a pressing concern for governments worldwide.
As cities grow and evolve, they face unique challenges that threaten the safety of their residents.
The House of Representatives has resolved to summon several key officials in response to the worsening security situation in Abuja.
This includes the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, the Director General of the Department of State Services, Oluwatosin Ajayi, and the FCT Commissioner of Police, Peter Opara.
Insecurity In FCT
The decision also involves other security stakeholders.
This action followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Haruna Dabo, the member representing the Toro Federal Constituency of Bauchi State, during Tuesday’s plenary session.
Dabo’s motion specifically addressed the resurgence of “one chance” robberies.
He highlighted the tragic death of his legislative aide, Nimah Sulaiman, as a key example.
Sulaiman was abducted by unidentified gunmen on Thursday, October 17, 2024, in Abuja.
After her captors collected a ransom of ₦1 million, they stabbed her, and she later succumbed to her injuries.
While presenting his motion, Dabo lamented the increasing rate of kidnappings and robberies in the FCT.
He noted that both suburban and central areas of the capital city have become unsafe.
Moreover, he expressed deep concern over the rising incidents of abductions by “one chance” taxi operators.
These incidents, especially involving unregistered and unpainted vehicles, have worsened the security situation.
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“It has been a tumultuous and scary situation for people living within the capital territory,” Dabo stated.
He added that the use of unregistered and unpainted taxis provides an easy conduit for criminal activities within the capital city.
Dabo recounted the tragic murder of his aide.
He said: “Ms. Nimah Sulaiman was kidnapped and brutally murdered on Thursday, October 17, 2024, on her way home to Jahi District.
“She was taken at gunpoint at Bannex Junction, Wuse II, by ‘one chance’ operators.
“Despite paying the ransom in full, her body was found hours later at the Maitama/Minister’s Hill Bridge.”
This incident served as a painful reminder of the deteriorating insecurity in the FCT, leaving residents in fear.
Following a minute of silence in memory of the deceased, the House directed its Committees on FCT, Police, and National Security and Intelligence to summon the FCT Minister, the FCT Commissioner of Police, the DG of the DSS, and other key stakeholders.
They will provide a detailed briefing on the current security situation in the capital.
Additionally, the House mandated its Committee on FCT to investigate the widespread use of unregistered and unpainted taxis in Abuja.
They are expected to recommend measures to regulate these operations.
Furthermore, the Committee on FCT, alongside the Committees on Police and National Security, was tasked with conducting a comprehensive investigation into the activities of kidnappers and armed robbers within the city. A report on their findings is due within three weeks.
