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Tag: FCT

  • Police foil kidnap attempt, rescue victims in Abuja

    Police foil kidnap attempt, rescue victims in Abuja

    The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) said its operatives on Sunday foiled kidnap attempt and recued victims in Dawaki area of Abuja.

    The Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT, SP Josephine Adeh, said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

    Adeh said that the kidnap attempt was foiled following an immediate and strategic response to a distress call on the attack by unknown gunmen in Dawaki on May 19.

    She said the Commissioner of Police (CP) in charge of the FCT, Mr Benneth Igweh, led the operatives that swiftly mobilised to the scene to foil the kidnap attempt.

    ”Displaying remarkable bravery and coordination, the police, in synergy with local hunters, advanced on the assailants, tactically ambushed them at Ushafa Hill via Bwari and Shishipe Hills via Mpape.

    ”This led to a fierce gun duel where the hoodlums were overwhelmed by the firepower of the operatives, and this forced them to scamper to safety with various degrees of bullets injuries and the victims were rescued,” she said.

    She added that one of the rescued victims was currently in the hospital receiving medical attention.

    The FCT Police command spokesperson, said that the CP had reaffirmed the command’s steadfast dedication to maintaining peace and security in the FCT.

    She also said that search operations were ongoing to rescue other hostages who fled the scene during the shootout.

    Meanwhile, the Chairman of Dawaki Rock Heaven Community, Alhaji Tunde Abdulrahim, said the incident happened at about 7: 30p.m. on Sunday.

    Abdulrahim said that the heavily armed bandits numbering about 50, consisting of men and women invaded the community and broke into about six houses.

    He also said that about 20 people were abducted by the kidnappers.

  • Reps seek house rent regulation in FCT

    Reps seek house rent regulation in FCT

    The House of Representatives in a resolution on Wednesday urged the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to formulate policies to regulate house rents and activities of landlords in Abuja.

    The resolution followed the adoption of a motion by Rep. Emmanuel Udo (PDP-Akwa-Ibom) on the floor of the House in Abuja,

    In the resolution the lawmaker called for the implementation of monthly rent to encourage an inclusive rental system and curb the arbitrary increase in house rent in the FCT.

    He said Nigeria was ripe for an inclusive rental system that would reduce the housing burden on working-class families.

    He also said that this would offer affordable monthly rentals for low and middle-income earners.

    According to him, majority of FCT residents are civil servants and artisans who live in satellite towns due to their meager incomes.

    He said that the arbitrary increase of rent in the FCT was burdensome.

    “One-bedroom self-contain goes for between N1 and N1.5 million, while two bedrooms go for between N2 and N3 million while three bedrooms go for between N3 and N5 million’’, he said.

    This, according to him, is due to the current economic hardship for civil servants, who are already grappling with fuel subsidy removal, rising foreign exchange rates, electricity tariff increases, and tax or levies.

    He said he was convinced that the monthly rent would provide tenants with flexibility, better cash flow management, reasonable move-out options, and a stable income stream.

    He further urged the Federal Government to build affordable houses for civil servants in Abuja to reduce the burden of paying exorbitant rents.

    Adopting the motion, the House mandated the committee on FCT to look into the matter of arbitrary house rent increases in FCT.

    The House said that the committee should recommend effective policies to regulate the activities of landlords and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

  • FEMD releases emergency number, raises alarm about flash flood in FCT

    FEMD releases emergency number, raises alarm about flash flood in FCT

    The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, has advised people residing along waterways in the FCT to relocate to safer areas.

    The acting Director-General of the department, Mr Mohammed Sabo, gave the warning in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday.

    Sabo explained that the warning became necessary following the early warning issued by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

    He said that NiMet, in its rainfall forecast bulletin had warned that a moderate to heavy rainfall was expected on Thursday and Friday in parts of FCT, Niger, and Kogi.

    Other states that might also experience moderate to heavy rainfall, according to NiMet, include Nasarawa, Adamawa, Kebbi, Abia, Ebonyi, Imo, Kwara, Bayelsa and Cross River.

    He said that the agency’s forecast emphasised the prospect of flash floods because of the moderate to heavy rainfall in the mentioned states.

    The acting director-general said that NiMet also warned that strong winds may accompany the rains.

    This, according to him, may likely cause hazards like slippery road surfaces, reduced visibility, threats to weak structures, trees, and mast.

    He appealed to FCT residents to heed to the NiMet warning by clearing all blocked drainages and removing all infractions obstructing free flow of water.

    “The residents should exercise caution on the roads as the onset of the wet season in the FCT sets in.

    “Motorists should also desist from driving through flooding water when it rains, stressing that the flooding water may have a strong under-current,” he said.

    Sabo also urged the residents to always dial the 112 emergency toll–free number in the event of any emergency.

  • We will deal squarely with land grabbers – Wike

    We will deal squarely with land grabbers – Wike

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says the FCT Administration will deal squarely with land grabbers, no matter how highly- placed.

    Wike gave the warning when officials of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), FCT Chapter, visited him in Abuja on Thursday.

    “Land grabbing is not new. Some of your people are part of it, some staff of FCT are part of it.

    “As a government, we will do all we can to see that we deal squarely with anybody that is involved, no matter how highly- placed he or she might be.

    “It is  a terrible situation we found ourselves in. People grabbing land; people illegally acquiring land, just for the purpose of becoming rich overnight,” the minister said.

    He pointed out that everyday ,people write  the FCTA, demanding for land allocation to develop a certain number of houses in the city.

    He, however, said that many people were doing that just to obtain a land title and at the end of the day, nothing was developed.

    “They will do all they can; take our land and sell it to people for development.

    “For me, that is not helping us to reduce the housing deficit, no. That is just a way of taking government land and enriching yourselves at the expense of the government,” he said.

    The minister added, “Yes government cannot sell land, so why will the government give out land for the purpose of housing estate and then you are selling the land?

    “The government can as well sell the land itself if that is the case.”

    Wike said that to address the challenge, the FCTA had decided that developers must show financial capacity before a land would be allocated to them in FCT.

    He added that a reputable commercial bank must also write an undertaking that the developer has the financial capacity for such development.

    “Two, you will write an undertaking that the project will commence and be completed within a specified time without any condition attached to it.

    “Three, that failure to develop the land, the government is entitled to take back its land.It does not matter what form of development you are putting there.

    “If that is done, then we will be convinced and give you our land allocation with proper documentation,” he said.

    He said that the  measures were necessary to ensure that developers do not steal from the government in the name of development.

    The minister said that there were currently over 1000 litigations in different courts over land matters, with kore being recorded on daily basis.

    The minister also berated real estate developers for not meeting up to their obligations to the government, particularly in the payment of taxes relating to land.

    “Even when you sell your properties, you don’t remit part of which belongs to the government.

    “So, I want to partner with you but on good faith, not partnership that one party would be detrimental to the other, no. It has to be mutual and symbiotic,” Wike said.

    Earlier, REDAN Chairman, Dr Ehikioya Okoruwa, assured Wike of the association’s readiness to partner the FCTA to bridge housing deficits in the territory.

    Okoruwa said that to that end, the association planned to build 15,000 houses.

    He further said that REDAN would invest N262 billion in the housing sector, adding that the FCTA would gain a lot  if they supported the project.

    Okoruwa  said that REDAN was working with security agencies to address land racketeering, emphasising the association’s commitment to ethical practices and accountability.

    “This meeting sets the stage for a potential partnership between the FCT Administration and REDAN, but with clear terms and expectations for accountability and transparency,” he said.

  • We’re prepared against floods in FCT – FEMD

    We’re prepared against floods in FCT – FEMD

    The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) says it is well prepared to prevent residents from dying to flooding in the territory.

    The Director of the department, Mr Mohammed Sabo gave the assurance in Abuja on Monday.

    Sabo explained that the department had all the data required to put prevention and mitigation measures against flooding in the FCT.

    “Sometimes in February, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), released the 2024 Seasonal Climate Prediction report.

    “The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has equally released the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook.

    “These are the documents we used in preparing for the rainy season.

    “As such, we have all the critical data needed to adequately prepare our prevention and mitigation measures against flooding,” Sabo said.

    He said that based on the reports, FCT might not be in danger, but all the surrounding states of the territory were susceptible to flooding.

    He said that in response to the prediction, FEMD had adequately put measures in place to ensure effective response to the likelihood of flash floods in the territory.

    “I assure you that we are well prepared to respond to any flood that may occur in the FCT,” he insisted.

    The director added that the department would equally mount signposts to enlighten and caution residents on the dangers of flood and install additional barricades in flash flood areas.

    “We are ready to collaborate with our stakeholders to ensure that all the roads that experience flash floods during the rainy season are barricaded to prevent vehicles from plying them.

    “This is to prevent loss of lives to flooding during rainy seasons,” he said.

  • Commuters stranded in Abuja amid fuel scarcity

    Commuters stranded in Abuja amid fuel scarcity

    As fuel scarcity and long queues persist, commuters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) witness a hike in the cost of transportation, and many are stranded.

    Some commuters narrated their experiences in separate interviews on Tuesday in Abuja.

    According to them, the situation presents more days of uncertainty and frustration, thus urgently calling for Federal Government’s intervention.

    Many parts of the city, known for its bustling streets and vibrant life, have been gripped by long queues snaking around filling stations.

    This is as citizens wait patiently for a chance to fill up their tanks.

    Mr Ahmed Tanko, a civil servant, said Nigerians keenly felt the impact of the fuel scarcity on their daily lives.

    “Transport fares have skyrocketed, leaving many struggling to afford the cost of commuting to work or school.

    “I used to spend N400 on transport to work, but now I have to pay almost double that amount.

    “The new month (May) has not started, and the cost of transport is almost gulping most of the salaries that were paid in the previous month,” he said.

    Similarly, Mrs Angela Adebe, a teacher, said she may be forced to leave her job as her meagre salary could not transport her to work and care for her family.

    Adebe said:” I am a poor widow with three children. All I have as a source of livelihood is my teaching job.

    “With this instability in our economy, things are already bad, but we have been managing.

    “Now the high cost of transportation due to the recent fuel scarcity is like adding petrol to a burning fire. If things persist, I may have to quit my job.

    “Honestly, it is too much for me to handle. The authorities must act quickly because if I lose my job, how will my children survive?”

    Also, Mr James Akar, an office driver, said he used to pay N500 from his house in Orozo, a suburb, to the town, but he pays N700 to the town today.

    “I am wondering what the cost will be as I close from work and even tomorrow.

    “Planning has become very difficult for us salary earners. I am sure it is also not any better for business people because there is no money in circulation,” he said.

    Meanwhile, Mr Amos Danlami, a commuter, said he had to use public transportation to work after queuing at a station for hours without getting fuel the previous day.

    Danlami said: “I think this scarcity has become an excuse for marketers to exploit poor Nigerians.

    “The worst of it is the blame game between the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

    “Nigerians no longer know whose theory to believe, and if I am asked, their tales do not really matter to Nigerians.

    “What matters most is for the Federal Government to look into the situation and find an immediate solution for the benefit of poor citizens,” he said.

    On her part, Ms Fatima Sule, a student who relies on public transportation to get to her university, the narrative is no different from others.

    Sule prayed for the government’s intervention in the fuel crises and the increasing cost of living in the country.

    Mrs Veronica David, a mother of four, said, “In spite of the NNPC’s assurances that fuel scarcity is being addressed, the reality on the ground tells a different story.

    “I have been to several filling stations, and the queues are endless except for the black marketers selling by the side of the stations whose products cannot be trusted.

    “I don’t know how long we can endure this hardship.”

    Also, a businessman, Mr Amaechi Nwaneri, also reiterated the need for government’s action to tackle the issue of long queues at fuel stations.

    “With the economic inflation rate soaring at 33.2 per cent in March, the impact of fuel scarcity on the cost of living cannot be ignored.

    “We are already struggling to make ends meet, and this fuel scarcity is worsening things.

    “The fuel scarcity crisis in Abuja is a stark reminder of the need for accountability and transparency in managing Nigeria’s oil resources.

    “Until concrete steps are taken to address the root causes of the crisis, the people of Abuja will continue to suffer, their lives disrupted by forces beyond their control,” he said.

    Nwaneri urged the Federal Government to prioritise the welfare of its citizens and tackle the situation.

  • AEDC explains reason for power outage in FCT

    AEDC explains reason for power outage in FCT

    The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), has attributed the power outage currently being experienced in parts of Abuja to technical fault on some of its feeders

    The company’s management in a statement on Monday in Abuja listed the feeders affected as L36, H23, H33 and 8.

    “This is to inform residents in parts of Abuja that the power outage currently being experienced is due to technical fault on feeders L36, H23, H33 and 8 respectively.

    “Locations affected: are feeder L36-Entire Idu industrial, CITEC Estate, Efab Global, Babaginda Estate, Nizamaye Hospital and its environs.

    “FH 23-Airport, River Park, Shoprite, NIPCO, Dunamis Church, NIGCOMSAT and its environs,’’ it said.

    The company said that Feeder FH33 was also affected and this  comprises Apo Mechanic Village, Waru  Village and its environs

    The company also said that Feeder 8 which has Jabi, Parts of Utako, Life Camp, Kado, Efab, Zango Daura, and Mbora Estates and its environs was also affected.

    According to AEDC, its technical team is working tirelessly to rectify the fault and restore power supply as quickly as possible and regrets any inconvenience caused.

  • Police nabs 2 wanted car thieves in Abuja

    Police nabs 2 wanted car thieves in Abuja

    The  Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police command said its operatives have arrested two suspects in Mararaba area of Nasarawa State over car theft.

    The Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT,  SP Josephine Adeh said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    She said the two suspects were arrested on April 23 in connection with series of car theft in the FCT and its environs.

    Adeh said the suspects had been on the wanted list of the command for the past few months.

    According to her, the suspects were trailed and arrested with the aid of digital reconstruction intelligence in a hotel in Nasarawa State while lavishing the proceeds of their crimes.

    She said five vehicles and myriads of items reasonably suspected to be charms were recovered from the suspects.

    Adeh said the Commissioner of Police (CP) in charge of the FCT, Mr Benneth Igweh, had enjoined residents to take all necessary steps  to protect their valuables.

    The CP pledged the commitment to ensure the safety and security of lives and property in the FCT.

    Igweh urged residents to be vigilant and take advantage of the police emergency lines to report suspicious activities on 08032003913, 08028940883, 08061581938 and 07057337653.

  • FCT Police Command explain ‘viral robbery video’ in Abuja

    FCT Police Command explain ‘viral robbery video’ in Abuja

    The Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Police Command has issued out a statement on the video clip circulating online depicting a robbery incident, which purportedly occurred in Abuja, involving a “Right Hand Drive” vehicle.

    According to the statement released on Wednesday night by the command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, the police said contrary to the narrative, “the incident did not take place within the Federal Capital Territory”.

    She stated clearly  that upon analysis of the viral video, it was evidently clear that the robbery incident did not even occur in Nigeria.

    She noted that the conclusion was drawn from the vehicle registration number plate design and the steering position of the vehicle, which is Right Hand Drive, RHD.

    Her statement reads: “It is important to note that Nigeria does not allow RHD vehicles on its roads, neither are the roads fashioned to accommodate such cars as seen in the video.

    “The Commissioner of Police FCT, CP Benneth Igweh, psc, mni, urges those circulating the video to desist from such actions as it may cause apprehension and unwarranted panic among the populace”, the statement added.

  • Why FG should improve working condition of NIS personnel – FCT Comptroller

    Why FG should improve working condition of NIS personnel – FCT Comptroller

    The Comptroller, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), FCT Command, Mr Tony Akuneme, says there is need for the Federal Government to improve the working conditions of immigration personnel, including their remuneration and logistics.

    Akuneme said in an interview with NAN on Sunday in Abuja that there should also be deliberate efforts to build the capacity of the personnel to enhance operational efficiency.

    He said in spite of the commitment of the personnel, their efforts were being hindered by inadequate funding, poor infrastructure and logistics.

    The comptroller said that the command has very good plans for staff development, but could not push through due to funding constraints.

    “I am committed to career growth and development, as well as welfare.

    “We are in difficult times now, and anything we can do to put smiles on the faces of the people is welcome,” he said.

    According to him, the most important and immediate intervention required is to get additional funding and logistics.

    “If that is done, we’ll do better in providing quality services to the people of FCT, and Nigerians in general.

    “No state comptroller is excited at what we get to run the commands, considering the cost of diesel to keep the command running.

    “Let me tell you that what a comptroller gets to run the command in a month is about N100,000. That’s too poor. Where do you start from?

    “Even though we get some supplies from the headquarters, but there are some accidental expenditures that can’t wait for response from the headquarters.

    “We need more funding to enable us work well. That’s my appeal to the government,” Akuneme added.

    He said that the NIS has a very efficient and committed workforce that requires a little push to deliver effective services to the public.

    “We need more manpower, renumeration, training, welfare, technology, logistics, vehicle and other work tools.

    “We cannot keep pretending and yet expect 21st century outcomes,” the comptroller said.

    Akuneme said the new NIS Comptroller General, Kemi Nandap, has since assuming office, being providing inspirational and transparent leadership to the service.

    “She operates an open door policy, and she has also promised to be judicious in handling the affairs of the service, particularly the finances and the well-being of officers, which is at the centre of her plans.

    “All officers can attest to her fair and firm disposition.

    “When she was a Deputy Comptroller General, she was part of those that improved the insurance scheme for officers, as well as the ongoing passport reforms.

    “When the Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo came in, he took up the issue of passport and we can see the result,” he said.