Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has insisted there are no bandits operating in Abuja, while acknowledging that crime is a universal problem found in every city.
Speaking in response to reports highlighting insecurity in the capital, Wike rejected the notion of banditry taking root in Abuja.
“I don’t believe in banditry; there are no bandits in Abuja,” he said.
He added that Abuja remained an open and attractive city, and that any criminal incidents should not be exaggerated into organised banditry.
Wike stressed that “crime exists everywhere” but maintained the capital was free of the type of rural banditry seen in other parts of northern Nigeria.
His remarks have sparked debate on social media, with some residents questioning the minister’s assessment amid recent incidents of kidnapping and armed robbery in parts of the FCT.
