Senate Seeks Probe Into $500m CCTV Contract After Abuja Kidnapping

The senate has urged minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike to investigate the implementation of $500 million contract for installation of CCTV cameras in the territory.

The senate resolution was sequel to adoption of a motion on the Galadimawa kidnapping tragedy at plenary yesterday.

The motion was sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko (PDP-Delta).

Nwoko in his lead debate expressed concern on the recent kidnapping incident in Galadimawa area of the FCT involving multiple individuals, including his senior legislative aide, Mr. Chris Agidy.

He said two weeks ago, a distressing incident unfolded where 19 individuals were forcefully taken from their homes in Galadimawa area of Abuja.

Nwoke said upon receiving the news, immediate measures were taken, saying he contacted the commissioner of police who activated the OC anti-kidnapping team to secure the release of those abducted.

He, however, expressed regret that distressing updates from reliable police sources confirmed that out of the 19 individuals abducted, 12 have been killed, while seven remained in the custody of the kidnappers.

He said efforts to ascertain the well-being and status of his staff among the seven individuals still held was ongoing.

Nwoke said there was a close coordination with the security operatives who had been diligently working on the matter.

He, however, said the challenges persist, as contacting the kidnappers for negotiation had proven immensely difficult.

“Their lines remain inactive, hindering direct communication and negotiation efforts.

“According to security operatives, efforts are still focused on securing the remaining individuals held captive from the forested area approximately 100 km away, despite the daunting challenges faced in reaching the kidnappers.

“As we await further updates from the authorities, we remain resolute in our pursuit of a swift and safe resolution to this distressing situation.”

Contributing, Sen.Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA- Abia ) said kidnapping it was not just in Galadimawa alone but also in Lugbe, Kubwa Kuje and other parts of the FCT.

He said many residents in these areas no longer sleep in the homes for fear of being kidnapped.

He said there was an urgent need for the senate to take the issue seriously as FCT its environs was under siege of kidnapping.

Sen. Adamu Alero (PDP-Kebbi) said insecurity was everywhere in the FCT, saying that urgent steps needed to be taken to put a halt to it.

He called for a revisiting of the 500 million dollars contract awarded for the installation of CCTV cameras in the FCT in the past.

She senate in its further resolutions, called for a Joint operation involving the army, police and DSS to intenisfy search efforts for the kidnapped victims.

It also urge the Minister of FCT to revisit the installation of CCTV contract award within Abuja where over 500 million dollars has been spent and make the contractor accountable. (NAN)