BY BENEDICT NWACHUKWU, ABUJA
Residents of the Federal Capital Territory have lamented the spate of insecurity in the country and condemned the threat from terrorists to attack the seat of power between December 17 and 31, 2021.
The news which broke on Thursday last week has thrown Abuja residents into panic.
Those who spoke with The Point on the matter differed in opinions as some discharged it as mere speculations while others expressed fears that the terrorists may have their way.
Abdullahi Musa said, “Terrorism threat cannot be an empty threat, more so when there is a letter from the government on that. It should not be treated as an empty threat. Thank God the information has leaked; all that our government should do now is to beef up security not only in the FCT but all the states because the terrorists can send such information out to distract the security agencies while their targets are elsewhere.
“Those Nigerian collaborators must be fished out. There is no way an Algerian or Nigerien will attack any state in Nigeria without a Nigerian insider. So government should go on manhunt to make sure they arrested,” he said
For Abdulaziz Abdallah, “The threat of terror attack in this period must be taken very seriously. Considering the level of insecurity in the country, anything can happen.
“They have been attacking Nigerians, is it because they have not struck heavily in the FCT? All these killings in Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto and Borno what shall we call them? They are terror attacks. So, if they must not make good their plan, the authorities must be ahead of them in plans. That’s my thinking.”
“Where is safe now in this country”, was the lamentation of Obioma Etoruom.
“Some of us are not travelling for Christmas because of what is happening in the South East. We thought Abuja is safer than the states, but with this threat, I am very scared. Terrorists do not make an empty threat. Before the threat was made open they would have concluded their plans. I hope our government will not treat it with a carefree approach. The churches must be protected, the market, the mosques everywhere.”
Adaji Onu said the letter may have been a ploy by the Boko Haram or terrorists who have been decimated by the Nigerian military to create fears among Nigerians. He claimed that they are looking for a means to be relevant, adding that their time is up.
“I’m not scared by the news. The terrorists cannot reveal where they are targeting to attack. Except the plan was leaked, but if you have been reading about terrorists and how they operate, you will know that they keep their plans tight to their heart till they carry them out. Like I said, they know that Abuja is a no go area, that is why they want to create fears but thank God our military and other security agencies are equal to the task.”
He said if the governments at all levels are sincere, the terrorists cannot carry out their threat but regretted that the way the issue of insecurity is tackled in Nigeria, there are clear evidences that the fifth columnists are involved.
“Terrorists cannot attack FCT and get away with it. But the problem is that, we do not know who to believe or trust in this fight against terrorism in particular and insecurity generally.
“The letter which is making news clearly stated that an Algerian and a Nigerien terrorist are those planning to attack FCT with the collaboration of some Nigerians. I am sure if the authorities want to nip it in the bud, those that the Nigerian security report has identified should be arrested immediately. That will send signals to their foreign collaborators that Abuja is a no go area. But if we play religion or politics or tribe with it, then we will be in for the worst.”
Meanwhile, the Minister of the FCTA, Mohammed Bello, has reassured residents of the territory of the government’s commitment to the safety of their lives and property.
Speaking in a telephone interview with The Point, the Chief Press Secretary to the Minister, Anthony Ogunleye, said Bello’s stance on securing lives and property of FCT residents has not shifted a bit.
He said the Bello’s administration is working round the clock with the security agencies to make sure there are no loopholes for the terrorists and other miscreants to practice their evil acts in Abuja.
“The Honourable Minister of the FCTA, Mallam Mohammed Bello is a man whose word is his bond. He has oftentimes assured those of us living in the FCT of safety both for our lives and property. There is no cause for alarm.
“Recently, the minister held a crucial security meeting with all the heads of security agencies in the FCT. They took far reaching decisions on how to protect the lives and property of residents of the FCT.
“Every form of security breach was anticipated and captured in the meeting including any form of terrorist attack or invasion of the Territory, therefore the Minister is not scared of the threat of terror attack on the Territory and wouldn’t want anybody to be scared,” Ogunleye said.
