Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
Following the spates of kidnapping in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that have made the residents to live in fear, the Senate has called on the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to as matter of urgency, commence the investigation of the implementation of a $500 million contract of the installation of Close Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in the FCT.
Truth Live News reports that the CCTV contract was awarded in 2015 but allegedly poorly implemented.
Senate resolution was sequel to adoption of a motion on Galadimawa Kidnapping Tragedy at plenary, yesterday.
The motion was sponsored by Ned Nwoko, who in his lead debate, expressed concern on a recent kidnapping incident in Galadimawa area of the FCT, involving multiple individuals, including his Senior Legislative Aide, Mr. Chris Agidi.
He said two weeks ago, a distressing incident unfolded, where 19 individuals were forcefully taken from their homes in Galadimawa area of Abuja.
Nwoko said, upon receiving the distressing news, immediate measures were taken, saying he contacted the Commissioner of Police who swiftly activated the OC Anti-Kidnapping team to secure the release of those abducted.
He, however, expressed regret that distressing updates from reliable police sources confirmed that out of the 19 individuals abducted, 12 have been killed, while seven remained in the custody of the kidnappers.
He said efforts to ascertain the well-being and status of his staff, among the seven individuals still held, was ongoing.
Nwoko said there was a close coordination with the security operatives who have been diligently working on the matter.
He, however, said the challenges persist, as contacting the kidnappers for negotiation has proven immensely difficult.
“Their lines remain inactive, hindering direct communication and negotiation efforts. According to security operatives, efforts are still focused on securing the remaining individuals held captive from the forested area approximately 100 km away, despite the daunting challenges faced in reaching the kidnappers.
“As we await further updates from the authorities, we remain resolute in our pursuit of a swift and safe resolution to this distressing situation.”
Contributing, Enyinnaya Abaribe said kidnapping was not in Galadimawa alone, but also in Lugbe, Kubwa Kuje and other parts of the FCT.
He said many residents in these areas no longer sleep in the homes for fear of being kidnapped.
He said there was an urgent need for the senate to take the issue seriously as FCT its environs was under siege of kidnapping.
Adamu Aliero said insecurity was everywhere in the FCT, saying urgent steps needed to be taken to put a halt to it.
He called for a revisit of the $500 million contract awarded for the installation of CCTV cameras in the FCT in the past.
Aliero said it was a shame and national embarrassment for kidnapping activities to be happening in the FCT, saying the National Assembly had approved over N1 trillion for security agencies to fight insecurity.
The Senate called for a joint operation involving the Army, Police and DSS to intensify search efforts for the kidnapped victims.
It also urged the minister of FCT to revisit the installation of CCTV contract awards within Abuja where over 500 million dollars had been spent and make the contractor accountable.
The Senate also called on the Inspector General of Police to increase surveillance patrols in Abuja to prevent kidnapping. It also called on the IGP to conduct thorough investigation into the kidnapping in Abuja.
It also mandated its committees on securities to enforce robust security measures within Abuja and prevail on security agencies to consider installation of the CCTV cameras within specific areas in Abuja and other parts of the country. It also urged its Committee on FCT to liaise with the FCT minister on ways to resolve insecurity in Abuja.