By Umar Yakubu
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has issued a stern warning against paying ransom to bandits and kidnappers, emphasizing that it exacerbates the problem.
The federal government, led by President Bola Tinubu, has also cautioned against crowdfunding for ransom payments, citing existing laws.
Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru underscored this warning during a press session following the 2024 Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja, chaired by President Bola Tinubu.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun stated that security forces are taking decisive action to control kidnappings and armed banditry in the nation’s capital, launching a special intervention unit to address these issues.
To enhance security, the Department of Development Control of FCT Administration is compiling a list of shanties and informal settlements in Abuja for verification.
The caution against ransom payments comes after reports that over N50 million was raised through crowdfunding to release the daughters of Mansoor Al-Kadriya, who were kidnapped in Abuja. Tragically, one of the daughters was killed by the kidnappers.
At a town hall meeting in Bwari Area Council, Wike urged the public to avoid crowdfunding for ransom payments. Local authorities in Bwari plan to mobilize hunters and vigilantes into a joint security task force to assist in protecting the area.
Wike expressed concern about the growing trend of crowdfunding for ransom, which gained attention when N700 million was demanded by bandits for seven residents of Sagwari Estate Layout, Dutse.
“We have to stop this idea of going to the radio to say we are ready to raise money. When you do that, those criminals are happy. They are happy when the people that are concerned, you people, want to raise money.
“No. I know it is painful that your wife, your children, and your husband have been kidnapped. All we want is to stop it, not to encourage it.
“Journalists should also help us. We need the support of everybody. The kind of news you write also will encourage them.”
Wike pledged to actively chase down the bandits causing trouble for FCT residents, aiming to make life difficult for them.
He said, “It is no longer going to be business as usual. Everything has to be done to protect lives and property. Without protection of lives and property, then we have no business in government.
“My coming here today is to assure you that we are very serious. All those criminals, bandits, enough is enough! We will do everything in our power to make sure that we will not allow this to happen again.”
The minister mentioned that he received the president’s approval to supply the essential logistics needed to assist the security agencies. He emphasized that there would be no more excuses about being underequipped, as all necessary logistics would be provided.
The chairman of the Bwari area council requested training and ongoing education for the hunters and villagers employed by the council to enhance security.
The minister criticized the actions of terrorists and kidnappers causing chaos nationwide, highlighting that kidnapping is particularly prevalent in the FCT within the area councils.
“These kidnappings happen around the suburbs, around locations that are bordering Kaduna and Niger. And this is as a result of the current operations going on in the North-west and some parts of North-central.
“The bandits are fleeing and they are getting shelters around these areas and the security agencies are working very hard to push them out, block the movement, and finish this thing once and for all.”