By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has assured FCT residents that the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike’s efforts to combat insecurity in the territory will soon yield positive results.
The Minister gave this assurance when she went on a sympathy visit to the family of Al-Kadriyar Mansoor, whose daughters were recently released after several days in the kidnappers den.
Mahmoud, stressed that since the reported cases of kidnapping in recent times, the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has been on his feet doing all that is necessary to improve on the security situation in the city centre including the satellite towns.
She said, “I am sure the people of FCT will also bear witness of our collective efforts in tackling insecurity. They have seen how we have been up and doing since this incident of kidnapping and other security matters.”
“His Excellency, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has been on his feet. We have been doing all that is necessary to improve on our security situation in FCT.”
“All the support to be given to the security agencies has been put in place and also some materials and equipment they need to carry out their works are also in the process.”
“So also the issue of access road, we think will also improve the security situation in FCT and the satellite towns.”
“I am sure you too have seen that the issue of kidnapping is going down, but we want it at a zero level.”
She, however, expressed satisfaction over the victims state of health, noting that they are in a stable condition.
The minister said,”we are here today in the house of Mr. Alkadriyar Mansoor, because of the tragedy that happened to the family.”
“Precisely the issue of kidnapping of his five female children but released by the support of the government and family members.”
“So we have come to support the family and to tell them that the FCT Administration is with them.”
“By and large, we are here to see how they are coping psychologically, mentally and also spiritually. And we thank Almighty Allah for their lives and health because they are in a stable condition.”
In his response, the father of the children who was also a victim, Mr. Alkadriyar Mansoor, thanked the minister for her show of love, and called on the Administration to extend the same to other victims.
He also called on the Administration to equip the security agencies more, adding that the current equipment used by security agencies cannot measure up with the equipment used by the bandits.
He said, ” I am highly elated that the FCT Administration deemed it necessary to pay my family visit of which there are several other families who have been victims of kidnappers.”
“And I wish they would extend the gesture they have extended to me to other families who have been kidnapped like this as well.”
“Nevertheless, I want the government to improve on the security in the local areas within FCT. Bwari most especially is so porous. Bwari is bordering about three or four states. And of which if action is not taken it might escalate to other things I don’t expect.”
“And the Nigerian Police Force needs to be empowered more. Most especially those in the rural areas and not in the city centers.”
“What they are having in their hands, the equipment they have cannot really measure up with what the criminals are using nowadays.”
“So buying them vehicles is not the only thing. Buy them gadgets that they will use to work.”
The minister was accompanied by the Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, Hon. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, the Director FCT Reforms Coordination and Service Improvement, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu and the Deputy Director in charge of Child Development, Mr. Idris Yahaya.
The highpoint of the visit was the presentation of items and undisclosed amount of cash to family.
