The Senate has directed the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, to launch an investigation into the execution of a $500 million contract for the installation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in the FCT.
The Senate’s resolution follows the adoption of a motion on the Galadimawa Kidnapping Tragedy during a plenary session held on Wednesday.
Sponsored by Ned Nwoko, a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) representing Delta, the motion highlights concerns regarding the recent kidnapping incident in the Galadimawa area of the FCT. This incident involved multiple individuals, including Chris Agidy, Mr. Nwoko’s Senior Legislative Aide.
Nwoko narrated the distressing event that unfolded two weeks ago, where 19 individuals were forcibly taken from their homes in the Galadimawa area of Abuja.
Upon receiving the distressing news, immediate measures were taken, with Nwoko contacting the Commissioner of Police, who promptly activated the OC Anti-Kidnapping team to secure the release of those abducted.
Regrettably, updates from reliable police sources confirmed that out of the 19 individuals abducted, 12 have been killed, while seven remain in the custody of the kidnappers. Efforts to ascertain the well-being and status of his staff, among the seven individuals still held, are ongoing.
Nwoko highlighted the coordinated efforts with security operatives who have been diligently working on the matter. However, he expressed the challenges faced in contacting the kidnappers for negotiation, as 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 a forested area approximately 100 km away, despite the daunting challenges faced in reaching the kidnappers.
Members of the Senate joined in expressing concern over the prevalence of kidnapping, not only in Galadimawa but also in Lugbe, Kubwa Kuje, and other parts of the FCT. Many residents in these areas no longer sleep in their homes for fear of being kidnapped, prompting the urgent need for the Senate to address the issue seriously, as the FCT and its environs are under siege of kidnapping.
Amidst these concerns, Adamu Alero, a member of the People’s Democratic Party from Kebbi, emphasized the pervasive insecurity in the FCT and stressed the need for urgent measures to halt it. He called for a review of the $500 million contract awarded for the installation of CCTV cameras in the FCT, citing the alarming increase in kidnapping activities within the territory.
Nwoko remarked on the irony of allocating over N1 trillion to security agencies to combat insecurity in Nigeria, yet witnessing kidnapping activities in the nation’s capital. The Senate, in response, called for joint operations involving the Army, Police, and DSS to intensify search efforts for the kidnapped victims.
The Senate also urged the Minister of FCT to revisit the award of the $500 million CCTV contract within Abuja and ensure accountability from the contractor. Additionally, it called for the Inspector General of Police to increase surveillance patrols in Abuja to prevent further kidnappings and conduct a thorough investigation into the recent incidents.
The Senate mandated its security committees to enforce robust security measures within Abuja, emphasizing the installation of CCTV cameras within specific areas in Abuja and other parts of the country. It also urged the Committee on FCT to collaborate with the FCT Minister to address insecurity in Abuja.
NAN
