Convener of Concerned Nigerians and Human Rights Activist, Deji Adeyanju has blamed the demolition of shanties and poor people’s homes for the rising insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Convener who berated the Minister of FCT, Nyesome Wike over rising insecurity, kidnapping, maiming, and killings in Abuja, however, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene to tame the development.

Adeyanju who reacted to the development in a statement on Friday in Abuja said, he is deeply alarmed and outraged by the rampant cases of kidnappings and killings that have plagued the FCT in recent months.

According to Adeyanju further, the abrupt displacement of individuals, including scavengers and the destruction of shanties where disadvantaged people earned their livelihoods, has contributed to the current state of insecurity in the FCT.

“Rather than adequately relocating these individuals and providing them with alternative means of sustenance, the Minister has callously sent them to the streets, exacerbating the desperation and criminal activities in the city.”

The activist stressed that, It is a distressing reality that the poor, who have been neglected and marginalized, have resorted to criminal acts such as kidnapping in their pursuit of survival.

“The Minister’s negligence and failure to address their needs and concerns have inadvertently created a vicious cycle of crime and victimization. It is important to note that, when the poor no longer have what to eat, they will eat the rich.”

“I call the President to intervene and hold Minister Nyesome Wike accountable for the security challenges plaguing the FCT. It is imperative that the Minister prioritizes the safety and well-being of the people rather than engaging in personal political battles.

“The President must address the security situation in Abuja decisively and ensure that necessary measures are taken to safeguard the lives and property of its inhabitants.”

Adeyanju also urged the security agencies to enhance their intelligence-gathering capabilities and redouble their efforts to make the city safe for all residents to live in and pursue their dreams and aspirations.

He noted that the protection of citizens must be their primary objective, and they must spare no effort in combating the criminal elements responsible for the wave of kidnappings and killings.

“If the concerns raised in this statement are not urgently addressed, we, at concerned Nigerians, will not hesitate to take to the streets in peaceful protests to demand justice and security for all. The lives of innocent citizens are at stake, and we will not allow their suffering to go unnoticed or unaddressed.

“It is time for the FCT Minister to fulfill his duty and for the security agencies to demonstrate their commitment to protecting the lives and dignity of the people. The residents of Abuja deserve nothing less than a safe and secure environment in which to live, work, and thrive.” (The Guardian)

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