Commissioner for Public Complaints Commission representing the Federal Capital Territory, Hon Ezekiel Musa Dalhatu, says FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has not been properly briefed on the high level of insecurity in the nation’s capital.
Dalhati while addressing a press conference in Abuja, on Monday, said insecurity had risen to an all-time high, noting what appears to be like communal clashes amongst remote communities has degenerated into full business by miscreants.
He said the commission under his office had received a lot of complaints from both individuals and groups, including Abuja Original Inhabitants Youths Empowerment Organization over incessant cases of killings and abduction by bandits.
He described the spate of kidnapping in the FCT as a major threat to peace and businesses across the territory.
He said residents of communities in Abaji, Kwali, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Bwari area councils in Abuja South were living in fear due to incessant cases of banditry and kidnapping.
The Commissioner said 176 people were reportedly abducted by bandits across Kuje, Kwali and Bwari area councils of the FCT under two months.
But Dalhatu said the miscreants were very much aware of security strategies of the country’s armed forces, while suggesting that another strategy should be devised to tackle kidnapping and banditry.
“Though, we recognize the effort of our security agencies cut across all level for the commitment and show of force, we also admit the operational inadequacies these agencies are faced with, ranging from manpower, equipment and irregular payments operational allowances,” he said.
He also called for equipping of the local vigilantes across the six area councils, saying there are young youths in rural communities who are willing to sacrifice their lives to defend their people, through participating in local vigilante.
The PCC commissioner also called on the FCT minister to declare state of emergency on security.