Wike Orders Watertight Surveillance in Kidnap Of 19 People

Council Chairmen in the nation’s capital have called for the intervention of the FCT Administration over the Nineteen persons kidnapped on Thursday in Bwari Area Council.

They also raised alarm over the heightened insecurity orchestrated by illegal mining activities that led to a landslide which claimed 30 lives in Kuje.

They made the call during a meeting with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike and Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud in Abuja.

Highlighting other challenges confronting the Area Councils, the Kwali Area Council chairman, Danladi Chiya who spoke on behalf of others, identified inadequate funds, illegal mining activities, poor sanitation, Malfunctioning Urban Mass Transit, the task of paying the UBE Teachers salary, none involvement of chairmen in land allocations among others.

“Our challenges are inadequate funding of the local government system.We have the major challenge of insecurity across the six Area Councils.Just 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.

“Then there is the issue of land allocation. You sit in your council, and your backyard will be allocated to someone you don’t even know. Your graveyards and worship centres would be allocated and we are saying that we should be carried along in terms of land allocation.

“The responsibility of primary school teachers is on the local governments. UBE’s payment of salaries lies on the council which by law is supposed to be 60-40 percent. We are pleading that you help us so that this issue can be looked into”.

Also, Chairman Bwari Area Council, John Gabaya decried lack of inclusivity, the huge gap between the people at the grassroots and the center (FCTA) as well as negligence of the administration to develop Satellite Towns to be like the city center.

“Development Control and FCDA are not close to us to monitor developments”.

Responding, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike who expressed worry over the sad development, stressed the need for intensed surveillance , adding that he would summon the FCT Director of State Services as well as the Commissioner of Police to receive adequate briefings on the kidnap and facilitate the release of the victims.

He also urged the Council Chairmen to set up surveillance taskforce in their domains to monitor mining activities. He assured that he would meet with his counterpart in Solid Minerals, Dele Alake to eliminate illegal mining in the FCT.

“I am here to work for the FCT, not to work for any political party. I am here to support the administration of Asiwaju to realize the dreams of the founding fathers. It doesn’t matter your political affiliations or religion, I am here to serve all.We cannot achieve anything without support from the Councils. We are not struggling for power and so we have to collaborate.

“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 SSS and the CP now to give me more details because it is every embarrassing to me. Though, I am happy you said the SSS and the DPO in the affected councils 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”. I will want to advise that we manage what we have but we will work to ensure that what you are supposed to get, that you get it and nobody will shortchange you” Wikr assured.

On his part, Kuje Area Council Chairman, Abdullahi Sabo announced that 30 people were recently killed in a landslide that occured in the council due to activities of illegal miners.

“The issue of illegal mining in the FCT. There is indiscriminate mining licences given out and this has led to insecurity. They give letters of consent to Chinese people. Just few days ago, there was a land slide that took the lives of 30 people as a result of the activities of illegal miners. We appeal to you to engage the Minister of Mines to stop mining in the FCT”.

Earlier, Minister of Stare of the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud and the Permanent Secretary in the FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola expressed the willingness of the Administration to continue to partner with the Councils to ensure even development in the territory.

Remi Johnson Edited By Grace Namiji