News
Three months after Wike’s JTF, fear heightens in FCT as criminals run riot
Three months ago, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Security Council, led by Minister Nyesom Wike, declared the formation of a Joint Task Force to combat insecurity in the Capital Territory. This task force, composed of all security agencies, is assigned to address armed robbery, kidnapping, and various criminal activities within the FCT. Wike emphasized the need for the joint effort, especially along the bordering states.
Despite this announcement, many residents, speaking with DAILY POST, have noted that criminal activities have not diminished. Kidnappings, such as the recent abduction of a family of six in Abuja, with a demand for over N60 million ransom, continue to raise concerns. Tragically, one of the kidnapped individuals, Nabeeha Al-Kadriyar, was reportedly murdered by the kidnappers to pressure the family into paying the ransom.
The incident prompted widespread condemnation, with the #Najeebahandhersisters trending on social media. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar expressed sadness and called for a revamp of the security architecture to curb the operations of criminal elements. However, despite the attention drawn to Nabeeha’s case, such crimes have become commonplace in the city center and satellite towns, causing heightened anxiety among residents.
Recently, kidnappers in Sagwari Layout Estate Dutse, Abuja, killed three of their victims out of ten abducted individuals, raising ransom demands to N100 million. Concerned residents, including a journalist and a local resident, highlighted the deteriorating security situation in the FCT. Some residents now feel compelled to pay vigilantes for protection due to the perceived failure of the federal government to ensure their safety.
The situation has significantly impacted the once vibrant nightlife of Abuja, as residents live in fear of becoming victims of one-chance incidents or kidnappings. The apprehension is particularly pronounced in satellite towns near neighboring states, with residents reconsidering their decisions to live in these areas.
In response to the Al-Kadriyar case, former Minister Ali Pantami announced the raising of N50 million for their release. As residents anxiously await further action, concerns persist about how the FCT minister will address the escalating security challenges.
Benson Upah, spokesperson for the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has cautioned that Nigerians might eventually face petrol prices of N5,000 per litre.
In an interview with Weekend Trust, Upah criticized the recent increase in fuel pump prices and argued that it contradicts the agreement previously made between the NLC and President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He asserted that the Federal Government’s claims of restoring the fuel subsidy are untrue.
Upah remarked, “The subsidy was never reinstated as they have stated. So, what justifies the rise in pump prices from N650 to N1,500 or even N2,000?
“This situation suggests that we might not have seen the worst yet. There is a possibility that fuel prices could reach N5,000 per litre. We hope it doesn’t come to that, but if it does, it will be up to Nigerians to make the decision.”
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced the receipt of a two million Naira bank draft from Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, a former student loan beneficiary.
This information was disclosed in a statement by Monalisa Dike from the Corporate Communications Department of NELFUND on Friday in Abuja.
Dike noted that Awomolo had received the loan during his undergraduate studies at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) from 1975 to 1977.
She mentioned that Awomolo had fully repaid the loan, showing his strong commitment to the country.
“The original loan amount was N1,000 for two academic sessions, which played a crucial role in his completion of the law degree.
“Although Awomolo had attempted to repay the loan several times over the years, he was only able to settle it now.
“In his letter to NELFUND’s Managing Director, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, Awomolo expressed his appreciation for the student loan opportunity provided by the Nigerian government,” Dike said.
She added that Awomolo praised the transparency and accountability NELFUND has shown in managing student loans.
Dike emphasized that Awomolo’s repayment highlights the enduring impact of President Bola Tinubu’s initiative and NELFUND’s continued importance in supporting Nigerian students.
She also mentioned that the repaid funds will be used to support the education of current students in need of loans.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has issued a warning to the public about scammers pretending to represent the NDDC Youth Internship Scheme.
The NDDC also noted that registration for the scheme ended on August 31, 2024.
This information was released in a statement on Friday by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director of Corporate Affairs at the commission, and shared with DAILY POST.
The statement reads, in part: “We have received reports of individuals receiving unsolicited messages claiming they have been selected for the NDDC Internship Scheme, which includes requests for personal information and an acceptance fee.
“The NDDC does not charge any fees for placing qualified youths in its internship programme. We want to make it clear that these fraudulent selection messages are not affiliated with the NDDC.
“Any official communication from us will only come through our verified websites and social media channels. If you receive a message like this, please ignore it and report it to the relevant authorities. Your safety and privacy are our top priorities.
“For genuine inquiries about our empowerment programs, please contact us directly through our official channels.”
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