Mr Collins Orji Adjusts His Morning Routine as Insecurity Escalates in FCT
Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are increasingly feeling the weight of insecurity as crime rates surge in the area. The once peaceful neighborhoods of FCT are now marred by incidents of robbery, one-chance heists, and alarming cases of kidnapping for ransom. The deteriorating security situation has forced residents to make significant adjustments to their daily routines in a bid to protect themselves.
One resident, Mr Collins Orji, used to embark on a road walk between 5:00am and 6:00am as a form of exercise. However, due to the rising insecurity, he has modified his routine to ensure his safety. Waking up at 5:00am to exercise now feels like an extreme sport, so I’ve adjusted to 30 minutes between 6:00am and 6:30am, Orji explained. He also recounted witnessing a robbery where two men armed with knives snatched the handbag of a lady while he was walking.
Edoh Ajene, another resident of FCT, shares the same concerns about the increasing incidents of one-chance robberies. Several of his colleagues have fallen victim to this form of crime, where criminals disguise themselves as commercial transporters to rob and harm unsuspecting passengers. When Abuja was safe, you just wave any vehicle going your direction and enter without suspicion. These days, commuting to and from the city center involves a serious vetting process, Ajene shared. He also highlighted that the removal of fuel subsidy contributes to the increased cases of one-chance, as people seek cheaper transportation options.
Moreover, the issue of kidnapping for ransom is another major worry for residents of Abuja and its environs. Official reports indicate that close to 30 people have been abducted this year alone. Cases of abduction may be underreported due to the fear and lack of trust in security agencies among the families of victims. Gunmen recently abducted a family of seven in Zuma 1 and nine in Sagwari Layout Estate, further intensifying the concerns.
Security experts attribute the surge in insecurity to the general unrest and insecurity sweeping through many parts of the country. The proximity of the FCT to the most violent states in Nigeria also exacerbates the situation. Criminals exploit the lucrative nature of kidnapping for ransom, using sophisticated weapons and sometimes even masquerading as security personnel.
While laws exist to deter the payment of ransom, families of victims often admit to paying in order to secure their loved ones’ release. Stakeholders argue that the focus should be on punishing the criminals rather than discouraging desperate families seeking the freedom of their kidnapped relatives. Strengthening the efficacy of laws regarding kidnapping and ensuring justice is served would serve as a deterrent.
The Minister of FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, acknowledges the security challenges and assures residents that the government is committed to making the territory safe. He urges traditional rulers to collaborate with security agencies to address the issue, emphasizing the importance of their local knowledge and identifying unfamiliar faces or suspicious activities.
However, stakeholders and residents emphasize the need for strong collaboration between the FCT Administration and security agencies to tackle the growing menace. They call for increased intelligence gathering, leveraging technology, and providing adequate security presence in all corners of the territory.
To restore a sense of safety to FCT, it is crucial for the authorities to address the root causes fueling these violent crimes, including addressing socioeconomic issues and strengthening existing systems. Working towards a comprehensive overhaul of the national security architecture would also help counter the evolving threats that the current structure is ill-equipped to handle.
In conclusion, the residents of FCT find themselves having to adapt their routines and live in constant fear due to the escalating insecurity in the area. The authorities must take decisive action to restore peace and implement effective measures to combat crime, ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents.
