Security: FCTA embarks on surveillance of uncompleted buildings

In its effort to get rid of all criminal elements operating within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will, henceforth, embark on comprehensive surveillance of all uncompleted buildings in the FCT.

This step is aimed at ensuring such places are not turned into den of criminals.

FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, dropped this hint while receiving a delegation of Christian leaders who paid him a courtesy call.

The Minister said that the FCTA was concerned about the several uncompleted buildings across the Federal Capital City, Abuja which could be hiding places for criminals. He maintained that a number of unidentified persons squatting in such places may pose security risk.

Malam Bello noted that his administration had been able to confront and displace some of the people living under bridges and that the operation would continue until the city was rid of such unwarranted elements.

He revealed that the FCTA had earlier spoken to the Muslim community on the unfortunate cases of street begging in some areas of the capital territory. He urged the residents to join hands with the FCTA to eradicate the menace.

The Minister also disclosed that his Administration plans to rehabilitate those with such social problem, which would ultimately give them  a sense of belonging, thereby making them useful to themselves and the entire society.

His words: “In the 2016 fiscal year, the FCT Administration will upgrade Rehabilitation Centre for effective skill acquisition to make the rehabilitated persons independent and self-sustenance”.

He reiterated that the FCTA also intended to take destitute back to their families for re-absorption into the society after successful rehabilitation.

He added that his Administration would encourage religious and moral education in schools to give re-orientation to the younger generation.

In his reaction, FCT Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Israel Akanji, who led the delegation, solicited the Minister’s help for land for church groups and for FCT Administration to spare church buildings of demolition where possible. He also appealed the federal government to re-consider its stance on sponsorship of pilgrims to Israel.