…..Senate seeks probe of $500m CCTV contract
The Senate has called on the Minister of Federal Capital Territory,(FCT) Chief Nyesom Wike to investigate the implementation of 500 million dollars contract on installation of CCTV cameras in the FCT.
Senate resolution was sequel to adoption of a motion on Galadimawa Kidnapping Tragedy at plenary on Wednesday.
The motion was sponsored by Sen.Ned Nwoko(PDP-Delta).
Nwoke in his lead debate expressed concern on recent kidnapping incident in Galadimawa area of the FCT,involving multiple individuals, including his Senior Legislative Aide, Mr. Chris Agidy.
He said two weeks ago, a distressing incident unfolded, where 19 individuals were forcefully taken from their homes in Galadimawa area of Abuja.
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Nwoke said, upon receiving the distressing news, immediate measures were taken, saying that he contacted the Commissioner of Police who swiftly activated the OC Anti-Kidnapping team to secure the release of those abducted.
He,however, expressed regret that distressing updates from reliable police sources confirmed that out of the 19 individuals abducted, 12 have been killed, while seven remained in the custody of the kidnappers.
He said efforts to ascertain the well-being and status of his staff, among the 7 individuals still held, was ongoing.
Nwoke said there was a close coordination with the security operatives who have been diligently working on the matter.
He, however, said the challenges persist, as contacting the kidnappers for negotiation has proven immensely difficult.
“Their lines remain inactive, hindering direct communication and negotiation efforts.
“According to security operatives, efforts are still focused on securing the remaining individuals held captive from the forested area approximately 100 km away, despite the daunting challenges faced in reaching the kidnappers.
“As we await further updates from the authorities, we remain resolute in our pursuit of a swift and safe resolution to this distressing situation.”
Contributing, Sen.Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA– Abia )said kidnapping i was not just in Galadimawa alone , but also in Lugbe, Kubwa Kuje and other parts of the FCT.
He said many residents in these areas no longer sleep in the homes for fear of being kidnapped.
He said there was an urgent need for the senate to take the issue seriously as FCT its environs was under seige of kidnapping.
Sen.Adamu Aliero (PDP-Kebbi) said insecurity was every where in the FCT, saying that urgent steps needed to be taken to put a halt to it.
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He called for a revisiting of the 500 million dollars contract awarded for the installation of CCTV cameras in the FCT in the past.
Aliero said it was a shame, national embarrassment for kidnapping activities to be happening in the FCT,saying that the National Assembly had approve over N 1 trillion for security agencies to fight insecurity in Nigeria.
Senate in its further resolutions, called for a Joint operation involving the Army, Police and DSS to intenify a search efforts for the kidnapped victims.
It also urge the Minister of FCT to revisit the installation of CCTV contract award within Abuja where over 500 million dollars has been spent and make the contractor accountable.
It also called on the Inspector General of Police to increase the surveillance patrols in Abuja to prevent kidnapping.
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Senate also called on the IGP to conduct thorough investigation into the kidnapping in Abuja.
It also mandated its committees on securities to enforce a robust security measures within Abuja and prevail on security agencies to consider installation of the CCTV cameras within specific areas in Abuja and other parts of the country.
It also urged its b Committee on FCT to liase with the FCT Minster on ways to resolve insecurity in Abuja.
By Kingsley Okoye(NAN)
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