– Moves to end security predicaments
The Nigerian Senate has taken decisive action in response to the escalating kidnapping incidents in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), including the abduction of 19 individuals, among them is Senator Ned Nwoko’s Senior Legislative Aide, Chris Agidy, in Galadimawa, Abuja.
Following a motion titled “Galadimawa kidnap incident, response and need to urgently enhance security measures in FCT” sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko of Delta North, the upper chamber has summoned the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Benneth C. Igweh in order to promptly address the situation.
Senator Ned Nwoko brought the tragic loss of his aide to the attention of his colleagues during the motion.
He informed the Senate that upon receiving the distressing news, he immediately reached out to the FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh, who immediately activated the Anti-Kidnapping team to secure the release of the abducted individuals.
After thorough debate on the motion, the Senate has issued several urgent directives.
They have called upon the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to intensify security patrols and surveillance not only within Abuja but also across the nation to proactively combat the scourge of kidnappings. Additionally, the Senate has urged the IGP to ensure the installation of CCTV cameras in strategic locations within and around Abuja highways to enhance monitoring and detection of criminal activities.
Recognizing the importance of swift emergency response, the Senate also urged the Police to establish a dedicated three-digit emergency number for efficient emergency response.
In addition, they have called upon the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to ensure the functionality of dedicated emergency numbers for Police, Ambulance, and Fire Service emergencies, thereby enhancing the overall responsiveness to security and public safety incidents.
In a move to further address the issue, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, announced that the FCT Minister and Police Commissioner will meet with the Senate in a closed session.
This demonstrates the Senate’s commitment to collaboratively tackle the pressing security challenges facing the nation’s capital and ensure the safety and well-being of its residents.