The deteriorating security situation has raised concerns, with residents expressing frustration and demanding swift intervention from authorities.
In 2023 alone, 36 people were killed, and 339 were abducted in various communities within the territory. A Zuba-based trader, Ahmed Usman, lamented the transformation of Abuja from a safe haven to a city where residents feel constantly at risk.
Government officials, including the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, are urged to prioritize security, with calls for increased personnel and equipment to tackle the rising insecurity.
The Founder of Connected Development, Hamzat Lawal, criticized the distraction of the FCT Minister by partisan politics in Rivers State and called for focused attention on ensuring the safety of Abuja residents.
Residents and community leaders are increasingly alarmed, emphasizing the need for urgent government intervention to curb the menace of kidnappings.
The recent spate of incidents has prompted concerns about the effectiveness of existing security measures and the overall safety of Abuja residents.
Civil Society Organizations and Experts Call for Stronger Security Measures
Civil society organizations (CSOs) and security experts have weighed in on the escalating kidnapping crisis in Abuja, emphasizing the need for immediate action and comprehensive security measures. Hamzat Lawal, the Founder of Connected Development, criticized the FCT Minister for alleged divided interests, urging a shift of focus to address security challenges in the nation’s capital.
The Director General of the Coalition of Nigeria Youth on Security and Safety Affairs, Amb Ade Mario Emmanuel, highlighted the importance of monitoring local communities and tightening security at the borders to prevent criminal elements from entering Abuja. He called on the federal government to prioritize the passage of the Peace Corps bill to address the shortage of manpower within the security architecture.
Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, the Executive Director of Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED), attributed the surge in kidnappings to poverty, unemployment, and governance issues. He urged the government to prioritize citizens’ safety, address unemployment, and implement effective policies to combat crime.
Residents Express Frustration and Demand Government Intervention
Residents of Abuja have expressed growing concerns and frustration over the alarming rise in kidnappings, which have transformed the once-peaceful city into a center of insecurity. Ahmed Usman, a Zuba-based trader, shared his terror, emphasizing the need for immediate action to restore the city’s safety.
A traditional ruler in the FCT, speaking anonymously, conveyed disturbing sentiments about the rate of kidnappings, calling for the empowerment of vigilantes to combat bandits effectively. Teachers, such as Mrs. Rebecca Akintola, lamented the horrifying incidents, especially the impact on innocent individuals, including children.
Moses Alpha, a resident of Gbaupe community, highlighted the lack of adequate security and called for government intervention to secure lives and property. The village head, Chief Danjuma Gejere, voiced his worries and called on the FCT Minister to urgently address the situation by deploying more security personnel to the affected areas.
Security Forces and Government Respond to Escalating Crisis
In response to the escalating kidnapping crisis in Abuja, the FCT Command Police Spokesperson, SP Josephine, outlined the ongoing efforts to implement improved security measures. The FCT Police Command expressed an unwavering commitment to fortifying security measures and preventing kidnapping attempts during and after the yuletide seasons. Residents were urged to cooperate with law enforcement agencies to enhance overall security.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, responded to the recent banditry attack along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway by deploying police officers and security equipment. The directive aimed to ensure the safety of travelers and act as a deterrent to criminal activities.
The growing insecurity in Abuja has prompted urgent calls for collaborative efforts between the government, security agencies, and the community to address the root causes and effectively tackle the kidnapping crisis.
