Kidnappings: Senate asks Wike to revisit $460m Abuja CCTV project

The senate has asked Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), to revisit the $460 million spent by the federal government on a closed-circuit television (CCTV) project in Abuja. 

The upper legislative chamber took the position following the recent spate of kidnappings in the nation’s capital city.

The senate asked security agencies to probe the kidnappings in Abuja and its surroundings.

The resolutions followed a motion sponsored by Ned Nwoko, senator representing Delta north, on Wednesday.

In 2010, the project was awarded to ZTE Corporation, a Chinese firm.

The contract involved a payment of 15 percent by the federal government and 85 percent by the Chinese EXIM Bank — to be repaid within 10 years at prevailing interest rates.

While moving his motion on the floor of the senate, Nwoko said Chris Agidy, his senior legislative aide, was among 19 people snatched from their homes by kidnappers in Galadimawa, a district in Abuja.

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

“Upon receiving this distressing news, immediate measures were taken by Senator Ned Munir Nwoko whose SLA was unfortunately among.

“He contacted the Commissioner of Police who swiftly activated the OC Anti-Kidnapping team to secure the release of those abducted.

“Regrettably, we have received distressing updates from reliable police sources confirming that out of the 19 individuals abducted, 12 have been killed while seven remain in the custody of the kidnappers.

“Efforts to ascertain the well-being and status of our staff, Barrister Chris, among the 7 individuals still held, are ongoing.

“According to the 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.”

The motion was adopted after it was put to a voice vote by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.