FCTA set to curb scavengers’ threat, cultism, others
…To improve collaboration among security agencies
By Taofeek Lawal, Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mallam Musa Muhammad Bello, has reiterated the determination of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to confront head-on the menace of scavengers, cultism and drug abuse as part of strategies to ensure the security of lives and properties of residents of the nation’s capital.
The minister stated this after the regular FCT Security Committee meeting which held on Tuesday.
The minister who frowned at the activities of the scavengers, who, he said often operate under the influence of hard drugs and had perpetrated a lot of criminal activities will have their operation curbed by the joint actions of security agencies in the territory.
“Each time there is crisis, you find that people of no known address, people without any means of livelihood suddenly come up with arms and start fighting each other and killing each other. All these are done under the influence of drugs and this is something that we are going to confront head-on,” the minister stated.
The minister maintained that the activities of the scavengers remained banned in the territory and added that they have become threat to lives and property in the FCT.
While calling for citizens’ support especially in terms of providing intelligence to the security agencies. Malam Bello assured that there will now be an improved working synergy within the security and intelligence community in the FCT because the task of the provision of adequate security cannot be left to the police alone.
“We need citizens’ support, especially in terms of intelligence dissemination and also for leaders at all levels, whether it is at the ward level or at the city level or at the village level or at the Area Council level. Political leaders at all level, as well as traditional and religious leaders have to play their part and we need to communicate and also encourage citizens to be law abiding and also to provide needed intelligence. Doing that, I think by the grace of God, we will surmount and continue to make FCT a very safe place for everybody,” Bello added.
The FCT Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, equally reassured the residents of their safety as the Administration was not unaware of the security challenges and is taking all necessary measures for protection of lives and property.
Also present at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola, the Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister, Malam Bashir Mai-Bornu, the Executive Secretary of the FCDA, Engr. Umar Gambo Jubrin, FCT Commissioner of Police, Mr Bala Ciroma, traditional and religious leaders, Area Council Chairmen, heads of relevant FCTA agencies and departments as well as heads of the various military and para-military formations in the FCT.
