FCT Senator Criticizes Security Lapse: “Our Security Agents Have Gone To Sleep”

• Senator Ireti Kingibe expresses deep concern over the worsening security situation in Abuja, criticizing the apparent ineffectiveness of security agencies
• Kingibe condemns the tragic killing of Nabeeha Al-Kadriya, calls for urgent action by security forces, and urges a nationwide state of emergency

Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in Abuja, asserting that it appears the nation’s security agencies are not effectively addressing the challenges.

Senator Kingibe’s remarks came in response to the tragic killing of Nabeeha Al-Kadriya, a 400-level Biological Sciences student at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, by kidnappers. She criticized the escalating rate of criminal activities in the FCT, emphasizing its unacceptability and embarrassment.

Nabeeha, along with her father and five sisters, was abducted in Zuma town in Bwari, Abuja, on January 2, 2024. Despite the father being released to raise the initial N60 million demanded by the kidnappers, Nabeeha was tragically murdered, and the ransom demand increased to N100 million.

In a statement signed by her Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Nana Kazaure, Senator Kingibe described the situation as a stain on the nation’s conscience and a failure of the government’s primary responsibility to secure lives and property.

She expressed disbelief and dissatisfaction, stating, “It is as if our security agencies have gone to sleep. It surely beggars belief that this should happen in the Federal Capital and is unacceptable to me and Nigerians in general.”

Senator Kingibe highlighted the irony that residents of the FCT, expected to benefit from enhanced security due to their proximity to the seat of power, are instead facing increased terror from criminals. She emphasized the urgent need for security operatives to address the rising criminal activities, instilling confidence and safety among FCT residents.

Commiserating with the Al-Kadriyas on the loss of Nabeeha, Senator Kingibe urged security operatives to act promptly to secure the release of the remaining siblings and others in captivity. Additionally, she called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on insecurity nationwide.