During the maiden meeting between the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the six area council chairmen, distressing incidents came to light. On one hand, 19 individuals were kidnapped in the Bwari Area Council of Abuja on a Thursday. Meanwhile, in the Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, over 30 people tragically lost their lives in a landslide caused by illegal mining activities. The Minister expressed grave concern over these developments and pledged to take action.

In response to the kidnap incident, Wike announced his intention to summon the FCT Director of State Services and the Commissioner of Police for comprehensive briefings and to facilitate rescue operations. He also urged the council chairmen to establish surveillance task forces in their respective areas to monitor mining activities. Wike further committed to meeting with the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, to address the issue of illegal mining in the FCT.

The chairmen of the area councils highlighted several challenges they were facing. These included inadequate funding of the local government system, security concerns, the development of satellite towns, sanitation issues, lack of efficient transport facilities, land allocation problems, and issues related to primary school teacher salaries.

The council chairmen appealed to Wike and the Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, for assistance in addressing these challenges. They emphasized the need for cooperation and support to tackle these pressing issues.

In response to their concerns, Wike acknowledged the problem of illegal mining and pledged to engage with the Minister of Mines to address this issue. He also encouraged the council chairmen to take proactive measures by forming surveillance taskforces to make arrests in their areas. Wike assured them of his support in these efforts while pledging to further discuss the matter with the Minister of Mines.

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