In Abuja, Nigeria, 19 people were reportedly kidnapped in the Bwari Area Council, while over 30 individuals were reported to have died in a landslide caused by illegal mining activities in the Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). These incidents were discussed during a meeting between the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the six area council chairpersons.
Wike expressed concern about the kidnapping and landslide incidents and pledged to summon the FCT Director of State Services and the Commissioner of Police to receive comprehensive briefings and facilitate rescue operations for the kidnapping case.
He also urged the council chairpersons to establish surveillance task forces in their areas to monitor mining activities. Wike stated that he would meet with the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, to address the issue of illegal mining in the FCT.
During the meeting, the council chairpersons highlighted various challenges they face, including inadequate funding of the local government system, insecurity, development of satellite towns, sanitation issues, land allocation concerns, and the responsibility of paying primary school teachers’ salaries.
Wike, who has experience as a former council chairman, expressed his willingness to address these challenges and collaborate with relevant authorities to find solutions.
The incidents of kidnapping and the tragic landslide in the Kuje Area Council highlight the need for improved security and regulatory measures in the FCT to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and to address the environmental and safety concerns associated with illegal mining activities.