…calls for cooperation with security agencies to bring an end to the menace.
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 7 Command, which covers FCT and Niger State, AIG Ogundele Joshua Ayodeji on Tuesday met with the Local Government Chairmen of Bwari Area Council FCT, Tafa Local Government Area of Niger State, Sarki Bwari, Esu Bwari, as well as other district heads under the Bwari Emirate, and the FCT in general, which includes but not limited to the following; Bwari Central, Kawu, Padan Gwari, Galuwyi, Igu, Ushafa, Maitama, Kuduru, Mpape, Kuchibuyi, Dutse Alhaji, Dutse Sagbagyi, Kubwa, Katampe, Jibi, Shere in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun to rid the FCT and other neighboring states of kidnapping and banditry.
A statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Zone 7 Command Headquarters, Abuja, DSP Mustapha B. Abdulkadir, said that the meeting became a necessity, due to incessant kidnappings which have unsettled residents of the FCT, specifically in Bwari and its environs.
In his opening remarks, the AIG expressed concern about the series of criminal activities ravaging some parts of the FCT and emphasized that it is the responsibility of the police and other security agencies to tackle the menace of kidnapping across the country. He also stressed the importance of traditional institutions in security, adding that the traditional rulers are closer to the people, as such, the people will listen more to their district heads than even the Local government chairmen.
The AIG further admonished parents to advise their wards appropriately, not to engage in criminal activities as anyone caught will face the full wrath of the law.
In response to the AIG, the representatives of the Chairmen of Bwari and Tafa LGA appreciated the AIG for meeting with them, adding that they’ve been looking for an avenue to state their plight to the authorities. They also pledged to support the police in information sharing or in any other way they can, to see that peace has returned to their communities.
Sarki Bwari and Esu Bwari also appeal to the AIG to push for the establishment of a Divisional Headquarters in some of the districts under the Bwari Area Council and also to support their local vigilantes.
The AIG calls upon all stakeholders to be involved in the issue of security. He further assured them that all their plights would be looked into and attended to promptly and appropriately. The meeting was concluded with pleasantries and a group photograph.
