The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has pledged to purge Abuja of criminal elements, asserting that the cost of living will decrease once bandits are subdued and farmers can safely return to their fields.
Speaking passionately on the 3rd of December, 2024, in Abuja during the inauguration of the 9.8km Kabusa–Takushara road, Wike addressed key issues plaguing the territory. He condemned the practice of forcing school children to stand under the scorching sun during his visits, firmly declaring, “FCT school children must never be subjected to such energy-sapping ventures.”
On tackling insecurity, Wike painted a vivid picture of the challenges, emphasizing the critical role of infrastructure: “On insecurity, without roads, if someone comes to attack you, can security agencies come down immediately? No. So, we have started. Every problem cannot be solved at the same time. What is important is that there is hope.”
He linked widespread hunger to the threats of kidnappers and bandits, expressing determination to combat these forces: “The hunger is because of insecurity. You cannot go to farm because kidnappers and bandits will not allow you. Now, we are fighting them. We are going to show them pepper.”
Reassuring the public, Wike urged patience as his administration intensifies its efforts: “So, don’t worry. I know what you have suffered, I know how impatient you are. Now we have started. Just know that hope has come back,” he declared.