House Of Representatives Summons Wike, Security Chiefs Over Abuja Insecurity

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

 

 

 

The Nigerian House of Representatives has issued a summons to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, and other key security officials to address the rising insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. 

 

 

The move follows a series of violent incidents, including kidnappings and robberies, which have raised serious concerns about safety in the capital.

 

 

This decision was triggered by a motion of urgent public importance put forward by Haruna Dabo, a representative of the Toro Federal Constituency in Bauchi State, during the plenary session on Tuesday. 

 

 

The motion highlighted the recent spike in “one chance” robberies , crimes typically involving unregistered and unpainted taxis and specifically referenced the tragic death of Dabo’s legislative aide, Nimah Sulaiman.

 

 

Sulaiman was abducted on Thursday, October 17, 2024, by armed criminals in Abuja. Despite paying a ransom of N1 million, she was fatally stabbed, succumbing to her injuries shortly afterward. 

 

 

The incident has drawn national attention and renewed calls for improved security measures.

 

 

Dabo, in his address, condemned the increasing wave of abductions and robberies, pointing out that both the suburban and central areas of Abuja are becoming increasingly unsafe. He specifically criticised the proliferation of unregistered and unmarked taxis, which, he argued, have become convenient tools for criminal activity in the city.

 

 

“The use of unregistered and unpainted taxis has made it easier for criminals to target unsuspecting residents. It’s a frightening and unacceptable situation that needs urgent intervention,” Dabo stated.

 

 

The lawmaker’s motion underscored the personal tragedy of his aide’s murder, recounting how Sulaiman was taken at gunpoint from Bannex Junction, Wuse II, on her way home to Jahi District. 

 

 

Despite fulfilling the ransom demands, her body was discovered hours later near the Maitama/Minister’s Hill Bridge, underscoring the brazen nature of such crimes.

 

 

In response, the House observed a moment of silence for Sulaiman before resolving to summon the FCT’s top security officials. They have been asked to provide a comprehensive report on the security challenges facing the capital. 

 

 

Additionally, the House instructed its Committee on FCT to investigate the use of unregistered taxis and propose regulations to address the issue