JUST IN: Senate Goes Tough, Summons Wike

The Senate convened on Wednesday to address the surge in kidnapping incidents within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Consequently, the Upper Legislative Chamber the summoned of the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and the Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igwe.

Senator Ned Nwoko (PDP, Delta North) sponsored a motion regarding the abduction and tragic demise of his Senior Legislative Aide (SLA), Barrister Chris Agidy, in Galadimawa last year.

Nwoko emphasized, “Incidences like the kidnapping and killing of my SLA and other residents of the FCT are worrisome and must be stopped not only in the FCT but in Nigeria generally.”

The Senate adopted various measures to address the issue, including increasing security patrols and surveillance within Abuja and across the nation. They also called for the installation of CCTV cameras in strategic locations within and around Abuja highways and the establishment of a dedicated three-digit emergency number for swift response.

Furthermore, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) was tasked with ensuring the functionality of dedicated emergency numbers for Police, Ambulance, and Fire Service emergencies.

Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Senate, announced that the FCT Minister and Police Commissioner would appear before the Senate in a closed-door session to discuss the measures and strategies being implemented to combat the rising incidence of kidnappings in the FCT.

Akpabio clarified, “Their expected appearance before the Senate is to hear from them, measures and strategies being put in place to stem the ugly tide of kidnappings in the FCT.”

The late Barrister Chris Agidy was among 19 individuals kidnapped in Galadimawa in November 2023.