· Abuja clampdown on cars with no number plates
· Visit families of other victims, Mansoor tells minister
By Sarah NEGEDU
The Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, has given assurances that the spate of kidnapping and other related crimes across the territory will soon be drastically curbed as intense efforts are on in that direction.
FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, made this known on a sympathy visit to the family of Al-Kadriyar Mansoor, who was kidnapped alongside his five daughters and one other and paid ransom in millions after several days before they were released.
Tragically, his eldest daughter, a 400-level undergraduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nabeeha Al-Kadriyar, was murdered by her abductors when the due date for the ransom was yet to be delivered.
Speaking at the condolence visit, Mahmoud stated that the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has not been resting on his oars owing to the reported cases of kidnapping in order to improve the security situation.
Her words: “I am sure the people of FCT will also bear witness of our collective efforts in tackling insecurity. They have seen how we have been up and doing since this incident of kidnapping and other security matters.”
“The minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has been on his feet. We have been doing all that is necessary to improve on our security situation in FCT.”
She disclosed that “All the support to be given to the security agencies have been put in place and also some materials and equipment they need to carry out their duties are also in the process. So also the issue of access roads, we think will also improve the security situation in FCT and the satellite towns.
“I am sure you too have seen that the issue of kidnapping is going down, but we want it at a zero level.”
According to her, “we are here today in the house of Mr. Al-Kadriyar Mansoor, because of the tragedy that happened to the family. Precisely the issue of kidnapping of his five female children but released by the support of the government and family members.
“So we have come to support the family and to tell them that the FCT Administration is with them. By and large, we are here to see how they are coping psychologically, mentally and also spiritually. And we thank Almighty Allah for their lives and health, because they are in a stable condition.”
In his response, the father of the children, who was also a victim, Mr. Alkadriyar Mansoor, thanked the minister for the show of love, even as he called on the administration to extend the same to other victims.
He said, “I am highly elated that the FCT Administration deemed it necessary to pay my family a visit of which there are several other families who have been victims of kidnappers.
“And I wish they would extend the gesture they have extended to me to other families who have been kidnapped like this as well.
“Nevertheless, I want the government to improve on the security in the area councils within FCT. Bwari, most especially is so porous. Bwari is bordering about three or four states.
“So buying the security agencies vehicles is not the only thing. Buy them gadgets that they will use to work.”
In a related development, the Commissioner of Police, FCT, Benneth Igweh, has ordered a clampdown on vehicles without number plates or with a single number plate plying FCT roads.
He made this known when he met with members of the management team, leaders of all tactical units, and Heads of Departments of the FCT Police Command comprising Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers on Saturday.
He also tasked the heads of the tactical units to identify black spots and possible kidnappers’ dens in the territory and ensure they took the fight to them.
The FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, revealed the development in a statement on Sunday.
“The CP, while addressing the officers, urged them to embrace intelligence-led policing and visibility policing through constant stop-and-search duty in the fight against criminality. He emphasised the need to adopt effective community partnerships in the discharge of their duties, as he will have zero tolerance for laxity.
“He also tasked the heads of the tactical units to identify black spots and possible kidnappers’ dens in the Territory and ensure they took the fight to them. He ordered a total clampdown of vehicles without number plates or with a single number plate plying the FCT roads,” part the statement reads.
