The Senate has summoned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igwe, following the tragic murder of Chris Agidy, an aide to Senator Ned Nwoko, by kidnappers. This decision was reached on Wednesday during a Senate session, where it was agreed that the FCT Minister and the police commissioner must appear before the Red Chamber to provide insight into the escalating incidents of kidnapping in Nigeria’s capital city.
The Senate’s resolution stemmed from a motion put forward by Senator Nwoko concerning the abduction and subsequent killing of his Senior Legislative Aide, Agidy. Agidy, along with 19 others, was reportedly kidnapped in the Galadimawa area of Abuja in November 2023.
After thorough deliberation on Nwoko’s motion, the Senate further resolved that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, should immediately enhance security patrols and surveillance in Abuja and nationwide as a preemptive measure against kidnappings.
Moreover, the Senate mandated the installation of CCTV cameras in strategic locations within and around Abuja highways. Additionally, it called for the police to establish a dedicated three-digit emergency number to ensure prompt emergency response.
Furthermore, legislators directed the Nigerian Communications Commission to expedite the operationalization of dedicated emergency numbers for the police, ambulance service, and fire service. This move aims to bolster swift responses to security threats and public safety incidents.
The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, further stated that both the FCT Minister and the CP were to meet the Senate in a closed-door session on a date to be written in a letter of summons to be forwarded to them by the Clerk of the Senate, Chinedu Akubueze.
Akpabio said, “The FCT Minister and Police Commissioner would appear before us in closed session on a date to be sent to them by the Clerk of the Senate.
“Their expected appearance before the Senate is to hear from them, measures and strategies being put in place to stem the ugly tide of kidnappings in the FCT.
“Incidences like kidnapping and killing of SLA of Senator Nwoko and some residents of FC are worrisome and must be stopped not only in the FCT but also in Nigeria generally,” he added.
