Area Council Chairmen Under Fire as Wike Accuses Them of Negligence in Security Roles

In the face of a concerning surge in abductions and killings by bandits, particularly in the Kuje and Bwari Area Councils of Abuja, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, addressed the escalating security challenges during an emergency meeting with security agency heads on Tuesday.

Expressing concern over the reported negligence of security responsibilities by Area Council chairmen, Minister Wike admonished them for frequently leaving their posts and traveling at will. He emphasized that such behavior would no longer be tolerated.

Acknowledging the gravity of the security situation, the minister assured residents that the government was taking decisive measures to address the issues plaguing the nation’s capital. Wike underscored the collaborative effort required from both security agencies and the six area councils to ensure peace and security in the region.

During the meeting, Wike emphasized the need for practical solutions to tackle the security challenges. He stated, “We will put our heads together to come up with solutions; we are not sleeping, the security agencies are not sleeping, we will provide every support that they require to allay the fears of the residents.”

Expressing dissatisfaction with the frequent travels of area council chairmen, especially amid the current security issues, the minister declared such actions as unacceptable. He warned, “Council chairmen should know that they must wake up to their responsibilities. It is not everything that happens people will say that the ministers are not taking steps.”