Wike: Arise TV anchor’s death doesn’t mean crime worsening in Abuja

Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital Territory (FCT), says the crime rate in Abuja has significantly declined.

Wike spoke during a press briefing in Abuja, while addressing concerns about recent high-profile incidents, including the armed robbery that claimed the life of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a news anchor and producer with Arise Television.

Somtochukwu, fondly known as Sommie, was killed in late September at her home in the Katampe district of Abuja.

She was laid to rest on October 18 in Agulu, Anaocha LGA of Anambra.

Responding to claims of a spike in crime linked to such incidents, Wike challenged journalists to provide statistics supporting these assertions.

“So when you talk about the spikes, what are the statistics? Just because a colleague of yours was involved, then you say there’s a spike. You have no statistics,” he said.

He added that it is the responsibility of security agencies to protect lives and property regardless of the victims’ identities or professions.

“It is our responsibility to protect lives and property, not about who is involved, whether it’s an Arise TV person or Channels,” the minister said.

The former Rivers governor acknowledged the insecurity challenges in the nation’s capital city, while highlighting efforts by security agencies to tackle the crime menace.

“Security agencies have done well. The rate of crime in Abuja has drastically reduced. That does not mean you cannot see crimes being committed,” he added.

“All over the world, anytime you wake up, crime is being committed here and there, but that does not mean that security agencies are not tackling it.”