The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has warned kidnappers and their informants, to either repent from their crime or die at the hands of security agents in the territory.
Wike gave the warning on Saturday on the final leg of his security town hall meetings with stakeholders of the Area Councils, at the Kuje Area Council town hall, in Kuje town.
The minister also enjoined residents of the area to give their support to security agencies by providing relevant information that would lead to the apprehension of kidnappers and criminals in the FCT.
Wike also stated that his administration would fight insecurity head-on, noting that he had directed the council chairman to profile and set up vigilante groups.
He said, “We are going to tackle insecurity head-on. These bandits and criminals, their time is up. I know some of the criminal informants are here listening to me, and if you are an informant, you will die the same way those people you are informing will die.
“You have the opportunity of repenting today or else you are gone. Nobody will pity you. You have seen what the security agencies have been doing in the past few days. That is to show you that it is not as busy as usual.
“Be fully aware that we are ready for you. I told the chairman to make sure that the vigilance groups are empowered and we must do it well. They must be profiled and the security agencies must know them. And to the residents, give us information. You must work with the security agencies and provide them with information.
“Do not be afraid. I have seen this problem before, and I will tackle it. Let me assure you that no amount of blackmail will stop us from carrying out our assignment.”
Wike also expressed shock at the state of roads in the Area Council and promised to revisit the council’s file and ensure the construction of better roads for the community.
“This is my first time coming to Kuje, and I couldn’t believe that the major roads were not constructed. They say God’s time is the best, God’s time has come for you. I will go back and revisit the file. Be assured that you will see changes in this Area Council.
“Today, we will go back and take those projects and complete them for you. It is not that we are doing you any good, you are entitled to it. We are not doing anything extraordinary. It is our job and we will be faithful to it,” he said.
Speaking earlier, the Gomo of Kuje, Alhaji Haruna Jibrin, pleaded with the minister for the establishment of either an Army or Mobile Police barracks in the Kuje village where the kidnappers were active.
He also pledged the support of the traditional rulers and the people of Kuje Area Council in the fight against insecurity.
