The House of Representatives has decided to summon the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, the Director General of the Department of State Services, Oluwatosin Ajayi, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Peter Opara, and additional security stakeholders to discuss the escalating security situation in Abuja.
The decision was made subsequent to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance introduced by Haruna Dabo, the representative for the Toro Federal Constituency of Bauchi State, during the plenary session on Tuesday.
Dabo’s motion addressed the increase in “one chance” robberies, which resulted in the unfortunate death of his legislative aide, Nimah Sulaiman.
Sulaiman was taken by unidentified gunmen on Thursday, October 17, 2024, in Abuja. Despite the collection of a ransom amounting to N1 million by her captors, she was stabbed and ultimately succumbed to her injuries.
Dabo, during his presentation of the motion, expressed concern over the rising incidents of kidnappings and robberies in the FCT, highlighting that both suburban and central areas of the capital city have become perilous.
He conveyed his apprehension regarding the increasing occurrences of abductions by “one chance” taxi operators, particularly involving unregistered and unpainted vehicles, which have exacerbated the security situation.
“The situation has been challenging and concerning for residents of the capital territory. Dabo stated, “The presence of unregistered and unpainted taxis has intensified the situation, creating a convenient channel for criminal activities in the capital city.”
The lawmaker recounted the tragic murder of his aide, stating, “Ms. Nimah Sulaiman was kidnapped and brutally murdered on Thursday, October 17, 2024, on her way home to Jahi District after being taken at gunpoint at Bannex Junction, Wuse II, by ‘one chance’ operators.” Despite the full payment of the ransom, her body was discovered hours later at the Maitama/Minister’s Hill Bridge.
Dabo characterized the incident as a troubling indication of the declining security in the FCT, resulting in residents experiencing heightened anxiety.
After a moment of silence honoring the deceased, the House instructed its Committees on FCT, Police, and National Security and Intelligence to convene a meeting with the FCT Minister, the FCT Commissioner of Police, the DG of the DSS, and other relevant stakeholders to deliver a comprehensive update on the prevailing security situation in the capital.
The House has directed its Committee on FCT to conduct an investigation into the prevalent use of unregistered and unpainted taxis in Abuja and to propose measures for the regulation of their operations.
The Committee on FCT, in conjunction with the Committees on Police and National Security, has been assigned the responsibility of carrying out a thorough investigation into the activities of kidnappers and armed robbers in the city, with a report expected in three weeks.
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