In an effort to combat the rising insecurity in the federal capital, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has rallied the support of traditional leaders.
The minister emphasized the critical role traditional leaders play in the fight against criminal elements during a security meeting held on Wednesday with the FCT Council of Chiefs and the chairmen of the six Area Councils in Abuja.
The meeting aimed to update the traditional leaders on government initiatives addressing the escalating insecurity in the city and surrounding area councils, with a particular focus on Bwari, Kwali, and Kuje.
Wike stressed the significant responsibility traditional leaders have in maintaining security within their domains and providing essential information to support the efforts of security agencies. He reassured residents that the government is actively working to address the challenges posed by criminal activities.
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Highlighting the necessity for a robust collaboration between the government and traditional leaders, Wike urged members of the council of chiefs to collaborate with area councils’ chairmen in fortifying vigilante groups within their jurisdictions. However, he cautioned against involving residents with criminal tendencies to avoid exacerbating the existing security issues.
Wike emphasized the importance of profiling individuals to identify potential threats and solicited the traditional leaders’ input in finding comprehensive solutions. He stated, “If there are things you think we should do too, we are willing to partner with you so that the challenges we are facing now will be a thing of the past.”
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The minister disclosed that the FCT Administration would persist in demolishing shanties, which he described as havens for criminals within the territory.
The Chairman of the FCT Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Adamu Yunusa, pledged the council’s full support to the minister, lauding Wike for his efforts in addressing the security concerns in the FCT. Similarly, Mr. Daniel Chiya, Chairman of Kwali Area Council, assured the minister of the area councils’ unwavering support in the fight against insecurity.