The recent activities of terrorists in Abuja and its environs which resulted in the death of military men have triggered fear, panic, suspicion and anxiety among residents of the federal capital.
A staff of FCT Administration (FCTA), Susan, who lives in Madalla, told newsmen in a telephone interview that she and other residents couldnt sleep peacefully on Thursday night because of the unexpected attack on soldiers at a military checkpoint at Zuma Rock, along Abuja-Kaduna expressway. “My brother, insecurity is a big challenge in Nigeria, and little or nothing is being done about the deteriorating state of affairs, she lamented.
Also, a trader at Wuse market who identified himself as Henry, said residents are really feeling the harsh impact of the rising insecurity in Abuja and Nigeria. He said: Our customers dont turn up anymore like in the past. And, many of them said its because of the fear of being molested, attacked or kidnapped. We have had customers who were kidnapped in the past. I think the best option now is for Nigerians to follow the several pieces of advice suggesting that people should procure arms to defend themselves because the government has failed in its responsibilities.
In a reaction, the FCT Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, said there was no cause for alarm as the Police were working in conjunction with the military and the security agencies round the clock to provide adequate security for the FCT and its environs.
Adeh, who said the Command has embarked on the heavy deployment of men as assets to crisis-prone areas, further said it was also working with local security in the local communities to foil any possible attack. She said: There is no cause for alarm on security in the FCT. We are not taking anything for granted and treat every security report we get with uttermost diligence.
“We urge the people to go about their legitimate businesses and report strange movements to the police and security agencies. We are working with hunters, vigilantes and local security in all the communities in the FCT to get real-time information and avert any attack. We have also embarked on routine patrol operations, some of which are being led by the Commissioner of Police, Sunday Babaji, himself.
