Wike Meets FCT Chairmen Amidst Reports Of Multiple Tragedies In Abuja

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Thursday, met with the six area council chairmen amidst reports of multiple tragedies in the nation's political capital. 

Wike, who was briefed about an illegal mining-induced landslide that claimed 30 lives in Kuje Area Council a few days ago, was also briefed of the abduction of 19 residents in Bwari council area on Thursday. 

Chairman, Kwali Area Council, Danladi Chiya, who briefed the Minister on the activities of bandits in his domain, appealed for aide, noting that residents of the council are hopeful that the minister's appointment would provide the much needed succour by ushering in a new era of security and development. 

Chiya, who added that the six area councils are being challenged in various ways, including abduction, land issues, illegal mining, etc, urged the Minister to be proactive in helping to tackle them having once been a council chairman who understood issues inherent in the tier of government. 

“When we heard about your appointment, we were happy because you have been a council chairman and, therefore, understand our challenges. Our challenges are inadequate funding of the local government system.

“We have the major challenge of insecurity across the six Area Councils. Just today (yesterday), about 19 people were kidnapped in Bwari Area Council. I just received about five in my council, who were in captivity for about six days.

In his response, Wike promised to act without any undue delay, noting that he would to liaise with both the FCT director of the Department of State Services, DSS, and the Commissioner of Police to activate effective counter measures against the development. 

He however, counseled the council bosses on the need to set up surveillance task force teams to monitor mining activities. He also promised to meet with his counterpart in Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, with a view to eliminating illegal mining in the FCT.

“Insecurity is a major problem all over and those of you who are outside the municipality, you have to work hard. Information is key.

“The incident of kidnap you talked about, nobody has reported that to me. It is a serious issue and we need to call an emergency security meeting. I have to call the Director of DSS and the CP now to give me details because it is very embarrassing to me. Though, I am happy you said the DSS official and the DPO in the affected council are informed and on the situation.

"On illegal mining, I will talk to the minister. Ordinarily, I would say you should also form your own surveillance taskforce as Chief Security Officers of your councils and make arrests and we will support you. However, I will meet with the Minister," he promised.