TheCable

Abubakar Abdullahi, chairman of Abaji area council of the federal capital territory (FCT), says security interventions by the Nyesom Wike, FCT minister, are reducing kidnappings and other criminal activities in the area. 

Abdullahi spoke on Friday during a security town hall organised by the office of the minister in collaboration with the Abaji area council.

The meeting was organised for the minister to interact with residents of the area to find a lasting solution to insecurity in the federal capital.

The council chairman said before the President Bola Tinubu administration, Abaji was experiencing constant kidnappings and other criminal activities.

He blamed part of the challenge on the location of the area; sharing boundaries with Niger, Kogi and Nasarawa states.

He, however, said the proactiveness of the current administration and Wike’s security interventions have played critical roles in turning the tide.

“By the special grace of God, the current administration has reduced these ugly activities to a minimal level and today, we are experiencing considerable peace and security,” Abdullahi said.

“We must also appreciate our security agencies, traditional institutions, religious bodies, youth and voluntary organisations for their immense support and contribution in ensuring considerable peace.

The council boss also commended the FCT minister for initiating the construction of a five kilometre road each, in the six area councils as part of rural development efforts.

“This has proved that FCT is in safe and competent hands,” he said.

He appealed for a military checkpoint in Yaba town and an upgrade of Gawun police station into a full divisional police station with additional manpower.

He also asked for additional vehicles and logistics for security agencies and completion of abandoned roads and other projects in the area.

On his part, Adamu Yunusa, the Ona of Abaji, commended Wike for the “relentless service” to the residents of FCT, particularly on improving security and other development projects.

The traditional leader also appealed for the establishment of army barracks in Abaji.

Responding, Wike urged the residents to support the government in addressing  insecurity and sustaining the relative peace being enjoyed in the area and the FCT in general.

The minister urged the residents to supply security agencies with valuable information to foil criminal acts.

“We believe that interacting with you will give you that confidence that the government is with you, the government will not forget you, and the government will work with you to see that these challenges are sorted out,” Wike said.