Wike reacts as protest rocks Abuja

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has assured teachers and civil society groups protesting in Abuja that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of teachers and students abducted by kidnappers in different parts of the country.

The protesters gathered at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Secretariat on Tuesday to demand urgent action from authorities over the rising cases of school kidnappings and the continued captivity of victims.

Addressing the demonstrators, Wike said the Federal Government and security agencies were working tirelessly to ensure that those being held by kidnappers regain their freedom.

He stated that the security situation remains a source of concern to government officials and citizens alike, adding that authorities are determined to bring the victims home safely.

The minister expressed confidence in the ability of the nation’s security agencies to handle the situation and rescue the abducted teachers and students.

He said government expects the operation to be carried out as quickly as possible in order to ease the fears of affected families and communities.

Wike, however, cautioned against turning the security challenge into a political issue.

According to him, insecurity is a national problem that affects people across different states and regions and should be treated as a collective concern rather than a matter for political debate.

He noted that cases involving the abduction of teachers and students have occurred in several parts of the country, stressing that every incident deserves equal concern regardless of location.

He urged Nigerians to unite in support of efforts aimed at tackling insecurity instead of allowing political interests to shape public reactions.

The FCT minister also disclosed that security agencies have been making progress in their operations and are working according to established procedures to secure the release of those in captivity.

He maintained that no responsible government would deliberately abandon citizens to criminal groups and insisted that authorities are doing everything within their power to protect lives and property.

Wike further called for national unity in confronting insecurity, saying the problem should not be viewed from regional, ethnic or political perspectives.

He said challenges affecting one part of the country should be regarded as a concern for all Nigerians, adding that collective support is necessary in the fight against criminal activities.