[By Abigail Philip David]
The House of Representatives has summoned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, along with the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, and the FCT Commissioner of Police, Peter Opara, among other security officials, to address the escalating insecurity in Abuja.
This decision followed a motion of urgent public importance introduced by Haruna Dabo, representing the Toro Federal Constituency of Bauchi State, during the plenary session on Tuesday. The motion centered on the resurgence of “one chance” robberies in the FCT, which recently led to the tragic death of Dabo’s legislative aide, Nimah Sulaiman.
Sulaiman was kidnapped by unidentified gunmen in Abuja on October 17, 2024. Despite a ransom of N1 million being paid, her captors stabbed her, and she later succumbed to her injuries.
Dabo expressed deep concern over the increasing wave of kidnappings and robberies in both suburban and central areas of the capital, with a particular focus on “one chance” taxi operators. These criminals, often using unregistered and unpainted taxis, have contributed to the growing sense of insecurity.
“It has become a terrifying situation for residents within the FCT. The use of unregistered and unpainted taxis has worsened the security crisis, allowing criminals to operate more freely,” Dabo stated.
He recounted the tragic murder of his aide, noting, “Ms. Nimah Sulaiman was kidnapped and murdered after being abducted at gunpoint in Wuse II. Despite the full ransom payment, her body was found at the Maitama/Minister’s Hill Bridge.”
Following a moment of silence in memory of Sulaiman, the House directed its Committees on FCT, Police, and National Security and Intelligence to summon the FCT Minister, the Commissioner of Police, the DSS DG, and other security officials to provide a detailed briefing on the deteriorating security in the capital.
The House also tasked the Committee on FCT with investigating the widespread use of unregistered and unpainted taxis in Abuja, recommending measures to regulate their operations. Additionally, the committees were instructed to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the activities of kidnappers and robbers in the city, with a report expected within three weeks.
