From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
A member of the House of Representatives representing AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Joshua Obika, has decried the spate of insecurity in Abuja.
Obika, who spoke at a press briefing, on Thursday, lamented that kidnapping, armed robbery, “one-chance” operations have become regular occurrences in Abuja, with many residents losing their lives as a result of these criminal activities.
Consequently, the lawmaker, while condoling with victims criminal activities, in the FCT, called for an overhaul of the security architecture in Abuja, as well as the deployment of technology in the fight against insecurity in the area.
Obika, while stating that there is need to take urgent steps to stem the rising insecurity in Abuja , appealed to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and relevant security agencies to beef security security surveillance in the city.
He said: “I want to use this moment to reiterate my condolences to the various victims of insecurity in the Territory, especially in my constituency. Most of these victims were young men and women who were cut in their prime. Abuja, the once peace haven of Nigeria, is buckling under the grip of insecurity.
“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.
“No district nor class of people has 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 an urgent demand for us to restore the hope of both the citizens and investors in this our dream city.
“Pursuant to this, I therefore appeal to Mr President for the creation of a Special Security Intervention Fund for the complete overhaul of FCT security architecture. Added to this, 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.”