The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike has denied accusations that banditry is becoming more common in Abuja, arguing that security forces are actively combating criminal activity and that the country’s capital is still comparatively safe.
Wike made the comments on Monday while touring the federal capital’s ongoing infrastructure projects.
“I have always said, we only hear one incident but nobody has said, we have been able to curb or reduce this. There is nowhere in this world, be it any developed country, where you will see there is no form of crime.”
Despite acknowledging that individual criminal acts can occur, Wike emphasised that allegations of widespread banditry in the city are exaggerated, even if he
He stated, “I don’t believe there is banditry in Abuja. But again, it is a city where people want to go and do all kinds of things, kidnapping, this and that.
“So, it will be difficult for anybody to say that in a city that you don’t have one form of crime or another. So, there is no recurrence of banditry. There is no banditry in Abuja. I know that last time some people were kidnapped in Bwari but they were all rescued.”
The FCT minister further applauded the commitment of security operatives and urged the public to acknowledge their efforts in combating crime.
“What’s important is what measures, how serious the security agencies take this. As far as I am concerned, they are really taking their work very seriously. And we need to give them the necessary support.
“We do not need to always advertise one crime when they have stopped about 50 crimes. And nobody has come out to commend the security agencies, to commend the administration for being able to reduce the crime.
“I think we should commend the security agencies, and they will continue to improve,” he said.
Wike’s remarks coincide with growing worries among residents of the Federal Capital Territory’s outlying settlements, such as Kungaboku and Paze, where citizens have reported instances of insecurity and purported bandit threats.
Following these threats, some residents had reportedly abandoned their homes after receiving warnings from suspected criminals who threatened to attack the communities.
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