Police reassure residents of adequate security

Kidnappers of the traditional ruler of Bukpe in Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hassan Shamidozhi, have given the family 24 hours to raise N6 million or risk losing him.

The monarch was abducted two weeks ago and N20 million ransom was placed on his head. It was reportedly slashed to N6 million following negotiations.

But yesterday, the abductors reportedly threatened to kill the traditional ruler, if the family failed to raise the N6 million today.

The family had solicited the help of security agents in rescuing the paramount ruler. Spokesperson for FCT Police Command, DSP Josephine Adeh, did not to respond to phone calls and text messages put across to inquire on the matter.

Relatedly, she noted that the attention of the command was drawn to “baseless and misleading news” in some sections of the media, particularly the social media, to generate panic and apprehension in the minds of FCT residents and the general public.

Her words: “The news suggests that the FCT Police Command has revealed that some strange persons are trooping into the FCT, urging members of the public to be vigilant and support the command with credible and actionable information to fight the purported security challenge.

“The command categorically wishes to refute this baseless assertion and to reassure the good people of the territory that the security architecture of the command remains resolutely firm and uncompromising within the city centres and the suburbs.”

She enjoined members of the public to go about their lawful duties without the fear of harassment and molestation from anyone or quarters.

“The Commissioner of Police, while promising a continuous re-organisation and maintenance of the security architecture of the territory to match the ever-dynamic nature of crime and criminality, urges members of the public to shun the habit of promulgating fake news and rather cooperate with the police via the rendition of timely and accurate information, useful in fuelling the pursuit of a more peaceful FCT for all and sundry.

“The FCT Police Command emergency lines are 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653 and 08028940883.” (The Guardian)

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