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• FCT communities send SOS to FCT Minister
From Idu Jude, Abuja
Communities, including Karu, Karishi Kurudu, and Orozo, all in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), are at their wits end over terrorist attacks in recent times.
The communities have resorted to self-help as they now depend on vigilante groups and youth volunteers to push back the terrorist groups. The attacks usually happen during the week and early in the morning.
At Dagbadna village, phases 1, 2, 3 and 4, residents now sleep with their eyes open. Many have sustained various degrees of injuries over machete attacks by the hoodlums. Others are counting weeks in hospitals owing to serious machete cuts. One of the victims at New Dagbadna village, Jikwoyi, Ibrahim Gomina, is a serving police officer. He narrated how he sustained injuries from machete attack village while on a security checkpoint:
“We have always mounted security checks around our neighbourhood. This is because these terrorists come and attack our houses and machete people after collecting valuables. And it was on this fateful day that those heartless people overpowered me and they had my wrist almost chopped off. My neighbour had more serious injuries because he was ambushed by those people.
“Karu villages are now beginning to experience a resurgence of insecurity. We are calling on the FCT administration, the Esu of Karu, and all stakeholders to help provide police posts at the flashpoints like Dagbadna in phases 2, 3, and 4. Also, Kurudu, Karishi, and Orozo are not left out of this hook.”
Winifred Onoja, who has his limbs chopped off, regretted that the once peaceful environment has become a den of terrorists. He wishes to relocate to his village in the Nsukka Senatorial zone immediately after retirement from civil service: “I have lived in this town for more than two decades. I have never experienced this kind of inhuman attack. Neither has anyone come to me. I can never wish this sort of thing on my worst enemy because it is just inhuman.”
Onoja had his skull also sewn up owing to a machete cut. He was ambushed while trying to meet up with his colleagues during a night patrol: “God spared my life and perhaps he wanted me to live again. On that fateful night, we gathered to mount security checks against the rampaging terrorists. They always come late at night or early mornings around 2am.
“The community made it a law that each street provides security for itself. We complied within our own street. It was during one of the nights that I was having stomach upset that I excused myself to the bush. Little did I know that we were already ambushed. And that was how I alone found myself in their grip and had all my body parts sliced.
“As it stands, I don’t even know who to blame. Right here, there are people of authority like the Mai Angwa, whose duties are to report happenings to the Esu of Karu. But what do we get here? Nothing.
“There was an agitation for a police post here in Dagbadna. The project is yet to come to fruition. Till today, there is no land to build such a post. That is why these people come at will to terrorise people and get away with it. Recently one of them was caught in the middle of the night. But when they were released to the vigilante, it died a natural death. We also heard that Orozo and Kurudu are battling with a similar menace.
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“Recently, I was taken aback by a statement credited to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. He was quoted as saying that there is no problem of insecurity in the FCT. But that comment does not represent the views of the people living in the satellite towns. It doesn’t resonate with the reality here.”
Mai Angwa of New Dagbadna Jikwoyi Phase 3, Ibrahim Yakubu, blamed the recent attack by terrorists on the influx of Fulani job seekers into FCT: “Records have shown that most of these boys were brought from the far North as security guards by estate developers and managers.
“Anyway, they are dismissed due to bad behaviour and fail to find their way back to their original respective states. And since Abuja is home to every Nigerian, they always find stealing as an alternative to livelihood.
“I am optimistic that the siege will soon end. Appropriate steps are being taken to bring it to a stop. We all know that the vigilante can bring this to an end if they are equipped.
“It is obvious that the police are not always able to do this work. Sometimes they are late but the vigilantes are always willing. But they need some money to buy security gadgets to be able to face them. They need to be well equipped.
“If everyone should do the needful, then they know what they need to buy to counter the terrorists. People should refrain from discussing security strategies in public gatherings. Plans for security measures are not discussed in the open. It is a wrong move because the gathering can have terrorists in attendance.
“A few days back, we had a meeting at Esu of Karu’s Palace. All stakeholders were invited, including the DPO, communities’ chairmen and representatives of the landlords. We had a robust discussion and plans on how to bring it to an end. I can say that since then the attacks have reduced.”
Hasheem Rogo, ex-police officer, posited that the possible way to end insecurity within a community circle, “is to always avoid the calibre of people chosen to lead the people. This has solved problems of insecurity in several communities.
“What I am saying in essence is that no insurgency thrives without prior knowledge and help from those leading the communities. We should be able to call a spade a spade. What is happening here is possibly known to these community leaders who pretend not to know. I’m talking out of experience, if they are ready to secure the place, it is also possible. If they are not, it is also possible.”
Mrs. Nnenna Nwangere said she’s planning to relocate her children to the South East if the attacks continue: “It is within government’s will power to help save the people.”
