“We Have Declared War”, FCT Minister Wike Says as He Announces Fresh Order in Abuja, Details Emerge

• FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, ordered beggars to leave the streets of Abuja or face the government’s wrath
• Wike issued the ultimatum on Tuesday, October 22, during the flag-off ceremony for the construction of an access road from Ring Road 1 to the Judges’ Quarters in Katampe district, Abuja
• The former Rivers state governor stated that beggars have until Sunday, October 27, to leave the Nigerian capital city

Legit.ng journalist, Ridwan Adeola Yusuf, has over 9 years of experience covering public affairs and governance.

FCT, Abuja – Nyesom Wike, the minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), on Tuesday, October 22, declared war on street beggars in Abuja.

Legit.ng reports that speaking at a public event, Wike lamented the alleged influx of beggars and said criminal elements now disguise themselves as needy, making the job of providing security difficult.

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The minister explained that the Bola Tinubu administration would not condone that.

Accordingly, he has given them till Sunday night, October 27, to quit the city or risk security clampdown.

He said:

“In terms of security, let me say it clearly now. We have declared war. Abuja is returning to beggars’ city. I mean, if you know you have a sister, you have a brother who is a beggar on the roads, from next week, we will carry them. We will take them out (of the city).

“I mean, it is embarrassing that people who come in, the first thing they see are just beggars on the road. Sometimes too, they may not be beggars. They may be criminals pretending to be beggars. We will not allow that.”

Furthermore, the ex-Rivers state governor noted that his duties expand beyond infrastructure, saying security is also at the core of his responsibilities.

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Reps summon Wike, DSS, police

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Wike, the commissioner of police, Tunji Disu; and the director-general (DG) of the Department of State Security (DSS), Adeola Ajayi; were summoned over the spate of kidnappings and other security challenges in Abuja.

Wike, CP Disu, and Ajayi are to appear before the house of representatives committees on FCT, police affairs, and national security and intelligence.

Source: Legit.ng