Wike: There’s no money for ransom — we’ll fight bandits to release our people

Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), says the government will fight bandits to release abducted residents.

Wike spoke on Wednesday during a town hall meeting held in the Bwari area council of the FCT over the rising cases of bandits attacks.

The minister said the meeting was intended to interact and interface with the people of the area council to find a lasting solution to the security challenges.

“I bring you greetings from Mr. President who insisted that I must be here this morning. As I speak to you now, the Federal Executive Council Meeting is taking place, but Mr. President insisted that I must be here today to talk with you to reassure you that we will not abandon you,” he said.

“Yesterday, Mr. President held a high-level security meeting, which included all the Service Chiefs, the Minister of Defence and my humble self because of recent attacks, particularly in Bwari.

“Security is one of the key priorities that Mr. President’s renewed hope agenda will want to face squarely.

“It’s no longer going to be business as usual. Everything has to be done to protect lives and properties. Without protection of lives and properties, then we have no business to be in government.”

Wike condoled with the council over the kidnapping incidents and the loss of lives.

He, however, cautioned residents against disclosing their intentions to raise funds for ransom as such actions were helping the bandits.

“Stop going to make announcements that you are ready to raise money. By going to the radio stations, you are not helping us.

“You are helping them. Why would I go and give a criminal N100 million? There is no money to be raised anywhere. We will fight them to release our people. We will chase them away,” he said.

The minister said he has been mandated by the president to work with the service chiefs to ensure that security challenges are brought to a minimum.

He said approval had been granted to provide all that is required by the security agencies, including logistics.

“My coming here today is to assure you that we are very serious. To all those criminals and bandits, enough is enough. We will do everything within our powers to make sure that we do not allow this to happen again,” he said.

“Everybody has a role to play by providing information. By information, you help the security agencies to proactively take control before anything will happen. What will solve the problem is your support to the security agencies.”