Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said that Abuja remains the safest city in Nigeria, while dispelling rumours of a recent bomb scare in the capital.
The minister addressed journalists during an inspection tour of infrastructure projects, responding to concerns about a purported suicide bombing incident.
He firmly assured residents that there is no cause for panic over the false security alarm, clarifying that the rumoured suicide bomber incident never occurred in the FCT.
Wike attributed the incident to an accident involving quarry explosives, saying that, “What happened is that somebody went to a quarry where they blast rocks and took explosives and put them in his pockets.
“Of course, some of them do not even understand the implication of that, and so it exploded on his hips. That does not mean that he is a suicide bomber.”
The minister, while emphasising the need for accurate reporting, added, “The security agencies never said there is a suicide bomber.
“So, we do not need to create a wrong impression that will put fear in people. NEMA is not the head of security. Security Agencies are there.”
While highlighting improved safety under the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Wike noted enhanced security has been attested to by both residents and foreigners in the FCT.
He pledged his administration’s continued vigilance, “Residents are aware that there is improvement in security in FCT. That is enough for us. We will continue to do what we are supposed to do.”
The minister reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the territory.
