Due to high rate of kidnapping in the Federal Capital Territory, the Senate on Wednesday asked the Minister of FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, to revisit the $460 million spent by the Goodluck Jonathan government on closed-circut television (CCTV) project in Abuja in 2010.
The motion for Wike to launch a probe into the botched project was moved by Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, at Wednesday’s plenary session.
He raised the alarm about increased spate of kidnapping in Abuja, citing that his senior legislative aide, Chris Agidy, who alongwith 18 others were kidnapped from their homes in the Galadimawa area of Abuja.
Nwoko said of the 19 kidnapped,
12 have been killed while seven others still remain in the custody of the kidnappers.
He said:“Approximately two weeks ago, a distressing incident unfolded where 19 individuals were forcefully taken from their homes in Galadimawa area of Abuja.
“Upon receiving this distressing news, immediate measures were taken by Senator Ned Munir Nwoko whose aide (SLA) was unfortunately among.
“He contacted the Commissioner of Police who swiftly activated the OC Anti-Kidnapping team to secure the release of those abducted.
“Regrettably, we have received distressing updates from reliable police sources confirming that out of the 19 individuals abducted, 12 have been killed while seven remain in the custody of the kidnappers.
“Efforts to ascertain the well-being and status of our staff, Barrister Chris, among the 7 individuals still held, are ongoing.
“According to the security operatives, efforts are still focused on securing the remaining individuals held captive from the forested area approximately 100 km away, despite the daunting challenges faced in reaching the kidnappers.”
The motion was adopted after it was put to a voice vote by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Persecondnews recall that the CCTV contract was awarded to a Chinese firm in 2010 by the Goodluck Jonathan administration and thereafter the then Minister of Finance, the late Dr Olusegun Aganga led a delegation to sign a Memorandum of Understanding in Beijing, China.
The project was to be funded from a $600 million financing portfolio secured as a soft credit loan.
The loan had interest repayable in 10 years, after an initial 10 years of grace.
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