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On Wednesday, the Senate issued a summons to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igwe, to appear before it regarding the rising incidents of kidnapping in the territory.
The Senate’s decision to summon Wike and the FCT Police Commissioner followed the adoption of prayers in a motion sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko (PDP, Delta North).
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The motion addressed the kidnapping and killing of Nwoko’s Senior Legislative Aide (SLA), Barrister Chris Agidy, in the Galadimawa District of Abuja last year.
Among the adopted resolutions were calls for the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to increase security patrols and surveillance in Abuja and nationwide as a proactive measure against kidnappings.
Additionally, the IGP was urged to oversee the installation of CCTV cameras in strategic locations within and around Abuja highways, and the Police were instructed to designate a three-digit emergency number for efficient emergency response.
The Senate further resolved that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) should promptly ensure the functionality of dedicated emergency numbers for Police, Ambulance, and Fire Service emergencies to enhance swift responses to security and public safety incidents.
The FCT Minister and Police Commissioner were summoned to appear before the Senate in a closed-door session on a date communicated to them through a letter of summon from the Clerk of the Senate, Chinedu Akubueze.
The closed-door session is intended for the officials to brief the Senate on measures and strategies being implemented to address the escalating kidnappings in the FCT.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized the need to halt such incidents not only in the FCT but throughout Nigeria. The late Barrister Chris Agidy was kidnapped in Galadimawa in November 2023 along with 19 others.
