The FCT Police Command has disagreed with a report on killings and abductions in the territory, insisting that the figures were outrageous, inaccurate, and misleading.
This may not be unconnected with a story published in a national newspaper (not Blueprint) indicating that 12 people were killed, while 139 were abducted within the FCT in the last six months.
Blueprint reports that there has been rising concern over the spate of violent crimes in the nation’s capital, including “one chance robbery,” leading to fatalities in some cases.
However, a press statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the command, SP Josephine Adeh, dismissed the figures in the report, noting that: “The FCT Police Command is fully aware of the news making the rounds about abducted and kidnapped persons in the communities of the territory.”
According to the spokesperson, “The Command can confirm that there were reported cases of abduction/kidnapping within the territory which heralded swift response from the Police who successfully rescued and reunited some of the abductees back with their family members. “Equally the Command has arrested 11 kidnappers in the last one month, investigation is ongoing, some of the arrested kidnappers are assisting police to effect the arrests of fleeing members.”
She further stated, “The Command wishes to state clearly that the figures/numbers in the news making the round is inaccurate and actually misleading, as it may incite panic in the public.
“The Commissioner of Police FCT, CP Haruna Garba, wishes to reiterate the Command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding live and property of all and ensuring residents of the FCT sleep with their eyes closed.
“He equally advises those circulating misleading information to create the impression that there is a sense of insecurity in FCT that is not helping the issue.
“As Nigerians, you have an obligation to partner with the Police and other security agencies to make the city safer instead of creating trepidation in the minds of the people. FCT remains the safest place in the country.”
The PPRO urged members of the public to give information to the Police, notong that in doing so, they may be saving lives and property of FCT residents.
“The CP urges members of the public to promptly report distress calls and complaints through the following emergency lines: 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653, and 08028940883. Additionally, the Public Complaint Bureau (PCB)
Desk can be reached at 0902 222 2352.,” she added.
