By Stanley Onyekwere
FCT Minister, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has condemned killing of soldiers in Delta State, declaring the full support of the FCT Administration to help reduce the pains the families of the deceased.
He also assured the Nigerian armed forces of the support of the FCT Administration whichever way in fighting insecurity in the Territory.
Wike spoke when he received the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher G. Musa on a courtesy visit to the FCTA.
The minister, who commiserated with the CDS over the tragic death of some soldiers in Delta state, pledged the support of the FCTA to help alleviate the sufferings of families of the deceased, describing the killing of the soldiers as barbaric and unfortunate.
“Whatever you think FCT can do for you, don’t hesitate to tell us. I will do it for you because you need support to succeed.
“hile we are sleeping in the night, you are moving about, just to protect us. So, we need to give you the necessary support.
“Let me condole the families and the Nigerian military over what happened in Delta State. It was the most barbaric act I’ve ever seen. I don’t think any right-thinking person will ever support such a heinous crime. Not that the people died, but the way they were killed is quite unfortunate.
“We as FCT will support the Nigerian military in whichever way we can to see what we can do to reduce the pains the families of these individuals”, he stated.
He continued: “And you are doing your best. People must appreciate. It is not easy for somebody to bring out his life and say I want to die for the country. So, every Nigerian should give you people the support. Nigerians’ prayers are required.
“I know how many soldiers you’ve lost in terms of fighting Boko Haram, bandits and other kinds of crime. So, you require support in all ramifications.”
Furthermore, the minister stressed the importance of synergy among organs of government, adding that the FCTA will continue to work with all security agencies in the FCT to achieve the security component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the territory.
Earlier in his remarks, the CDS had explained that the visit was to pledge the support of the armed forces for the activities of the minister geared towards the upliftment of the FCT and its residents as well as to commend the Minister’s efforts in the development of the Territory.
The CDS assured the minister that the Nigerian armed forces will continue to work with other security agencies in the FCT, especially the police, to protect lives and property, which they cannot do it alone, as they needed the support of the Administration and residents of the FCT.
He said: “We have seen within the very short time that you took over, a lot of changes, things have really improved.
“We want to commend you for that effort and assure you that members of the armed forces are solidly behind you to provide you all the necessary support that you require.”
