FCT : Create Special Intervention Fund To Fight Insecurity

By Oduyemi Odumade

Member Representing AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency of the FCT, Mr Chinedu Obika has called on the Federal Government to create a special security intervention fund for the complete overhaul of the security architecture in the Federal Capital Territory.

Mr. Obika who made the call at a Media Conference in Abuja decried the rising security situation in the FCT, as most of the cases were not reported in the media.

He also said there was a need to create a special security intervention force to work hand in hand with the police and the communities to fight insecurity in the FCT.

“Several situations of insecurity woes abound in FCT. Time will fail me to recount the incessant cases of banditry, kidnapping, one-chance operations, armed robberies, and all.

“Most of these insecurity cases are not reported by the media. Some of the locations under the bridges are infested with criminals who do not flinch to kill just for any brand and size of telephone handset. Severally, we have received reports of people who are tracked and picked up just in front of their gates. As if these were not enough, another dimension to criminality has been introduced by hoodlums who mob passers-by upon choreographed fake alarms of missing genitals and use the ensuing chaos to dispossess innocent victims of their phones and valuables.

“No district nor class of people have been spared and certainly, no one knows who is going to be the next victim. That Abuja is no longer safe is no more in doubt. Residents keep asking whether the security of Abuja is slipping through our fingers.

” There is the need for the FCT Administration to evolve a strategic initiative of deployment of smart technologies in the nooks and crannies of the city and satellite towns.

“This is achievable through deploying CCTVs, drones, and other integrated electronic surveillance systems, among others. I also suggest that more work should be done in the area of intelligence gathering.

“Blind spots like surrounding bushes should be periodically raided, while uncompleted buildings should be adequately evacuated or policed.

“I believe the FCT Security Department should be upgraded to the rank of a directorate or an agency and empowered with adequate professional staff and institutional framework to coordinate the security efforts in the FCT. Abuja has become too big and complex to be handled just by an officer on the directorate level.

Mr. Obika as part of his recommendations to tackle insecurity in FCT said It was high time the FCTA created a network of stakeholders comprising neighbourhood associations, community groups, and traditional rulers to build solid networks and partnerships for the effective policing of our neighborhoods and localities.

“Security is everybody’s responsibility. I am dismayed at the total lack of coordinated efforts by estates, neighbourhoods, and communities in FCT to form a bulwark against organised crime.

“As we enter the festive season, there is no doubt that crime is likely to spike. I appeal to the FCT Minister, and relevant security agencies to beef up security surveillance in the Territory. It should also intensify public enlightenment on civilian participation in security preparedness.

Edited By Grace Namiji