Some residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed concerned about the rising incidents of kidnapping and robbery in the city center.
They have expressed alarm and frustration, calling on security agencies and the FCT Administration to take urgent action to protect them from criminals.
Some residents have shared harrowing experiences, including a civil servant whose daughter was recently attacked, robbed, and subjected to a kidnap-for-ransom scenario. Others, like the former President of Abuja Newspapers Distributors Association, Mr Joshua Orogun highlighted that this insecurity issue has persisted for over 15 years, urging the government to address it promptly.
The situation has created a sense of vulnerability among residents, emphasizing the need for increased vigilance while conducting daily activities.
However, the FCT Police Command has downplayed reports of increasing robbery,
kidnapping, and other criminal activities in the territory. According to their spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the command is actively working to protect residents and has deployed assets and personnel to track criminals. Adeh urged residents to remain vigilant, support the police with intelligence reports, and be cautious about where they board taxis, as criminals often take advantage of such situations.
Additionally, the FCTA Task Force on City Sanitation is cracking down on “one-chance” robbery syndicates, particularly those using unpainted taxis in unapproved motor parks for their criminal activities.
