Reps Summon Wike, DSS Chief, and Others Over Rising Insecurity in Abuja

House of Representatives calls on FCT Minister, DSS Director, and police to address escalating security concerns in Abuja

The House of Representatives has summoned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, along with the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, and other top security officials to address the pressing insecurity concerns in Abuja. This move comes as part of the government’s efforts to tackle the rising cases of kidnappings and robberies affecting the nation’s capital.

During a plenary session on Tuesday, the House deliberated on a motion raised by Haruna Dabo, the representative for Toro Federal Constituency, Bauchi State. Dabo’s motion, which led to the Reps summoning Wike and the DSS Chief, highlighted a surge in “one chance” robberies, which claimed the life of his legislative aide, Nimah Sulaiman.

On October 17, 2024, Nimah Sulaiman was abducted by gunmen in Abuja, and despite paying a ransom of N1 million, she tragically succumbed to injuries inflicted by her kidnappers. This incident has intensified calls for immediate action, leading the House to summon Wike, the DSS Chief, and the FCT Commissioner of Police, Peter Opara, to offer solutions.

In his statement, Dabo lamented the alarming rate of criminal activities in the city. He noted that both central and suburban areas of Abuja are becoming increasingly unsafe, with unregistered and unpainted taxis being used as a means to perpetrate “one chance” abductions. This concerning trend prompted the House to take swift action.

The Reps summoning Wike and other security officials underlines the urgency of the situation, as Abuja residents face growing fears about their safety. A minute of silence was observed in honor of the late Nimah Sulaiman, and a directive was given for the House Committees on FCT, Police, and National Security to conduct a detailed inquiry into the rising insecurity. They are expected to report their findings within three weeks.

The focus of the investigation will include the unregulated operation of unregistered taxis, which have been linked to several robbery and kidnapping cases. The House has tasked the FCT committee to find solutions that can mitigate these threats and restore confidence in the capital’s security apparatus.

As Abuja continues to experience rising crime rates, the Reps’ summoning of Wike, DSS Chief Ajayi, and other stakeholders aims to bring about significant measures to improve the security landscape.