The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has instructed security agencies to take decisive action against individuals involved in the vandalism of streetlights in Abuja. Dr. Peter Olumuji, the Secretary of the Command and Control Centre in the Department of Security under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), revealed this information during an interview with NAN in Abuja on Monday.
Upon assuming office as FCT minister, Wike prioritized the restoration of streetlights as a key agenda to illuminate the city, aiming to enhance Abuja’s status as a fitting national capital. Despite ongoing efforts to repair and activate all streetlights throughout the city, certain vandals, particularly targeting solar-powered facilities, have emerged.
Acknowledging the significant improvement in FCT’s street lighting in accordance with the minister’s directive, Olumuji pointed out that the prevailing sabotage is attributed to unidentified criminals.
Reports received by the FCTA Department of Security Service indicate that these miscreants engage in vandalism primarily during the late hours, focusing on solar-powered streetlights, their batteries, solar panels, lightning mechanisms, and even the poles. Olumuji expressed concern, emphasizing that these streetlights, funded by taxpayers and installed to enhance nighttime visibility and security in the FCT, are being maliciously damaged by criminal elements, which he finds regrettable.