From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
Panic, fear and hopelessness currently define the mood of Abuja residents as dreaded Boko Haram insurgents daringly take on military forces, in their efforts to hoist their blood-stained flag the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
With the security agencies overstretched, residents have resorted to self-help.
The assault by terrorists on the Kuje Correctional Custodial Centre and the attack on the Guards Brigade worsened the fears of residents and awakened their security consciousness. They are desperately adopting various strategies to protect themselves, loved ones and properties from harm.
Minister of the FCT, Muhammad Bello, admitted: We have been under a lot of pressure from citizens, especially those in the surrounding towns in the area councils, especially with regards to the spate of kidnapping and some issues of banditry.” He urged the Nigeria Police to tighten security, especially in the suburbs of the FCT.
Meanwhile, residents’ trust and confidence in authorities to provide the required security seems to be wearing off. Various Abuja communities and individuals have designed self-made strategies to stay alive. Many communities and estates that hitherto lacked uniform security operatives have employed them. Drivers are mandated to open the trunks of their vehicles for check before entering and exiting their domains.
Those who cannot afford the police now procure the services of private security guards offered by licensed security outfits. Another set of security personnel employed are the local vigilante groups, even as young men now take turns to stay guards at night.
In some estates, every apartment must have a whistle that are blared when suspicious movements are noticed.
Chidinma Amadi, a trader who resides in Dei-dei said: “Cases of robbery, burglary and kidnapping were getting too rampant. So, after the last incident that led to the burning of the Wood Market, Dei-dei, traders came together and decided on some stringent security tactics to protect the area.
“Right now, there are several checkpoints and roadblocks within the town, manned by private security personnel. Also, Okada riders have been banned from operating in most parts of the metropolis. Tricycles (Keke) are the only ones allowed to ply most of the roads now.
“Since this issue of insecurity in Abuja worsened, I have limited my movements. The latest I stay out is 6pm. No more late nights. I have cut off clubbing and other night activities I used to enjoy. Once I close from work, I go home straightaway. It is affecting my social life but then, better safe than sorry.”
Jenny Gambo, a trader, lives in Karonmajigi village: said: “We used to have frequent cases of armed robbery and burglaries. At some point it became an almost daily occurrence. We had a meeting where we decided that a vigilante group was the only way out. We pay N1,500 per apartment.
“There is a police station here but whenever we lodged complaints of break-ins, the police advised us to recruit the vigilantes and promised to monitor their operations. We had to heed that advice.
“We also decided that everyone in the area should have a whistle to alert them whenever there was a breach. That was what we did and the robbery cases ceased. So far, three suspected armed robbers were apprehended and handed over to the police by the vigilantes.”
Rose Imoh, a realtor, who stays in Kubwa disclosed: “These days, I no longer take ‘along taxis’ because I heard those are what a lot of the criminals use to perpetuate their wicked acts. When I don’t have money for a drop, I just stay at home. Thank God I can work from home.”
Ariemu Ogaga, a journalist residing in Gwarimpa said: “Vigilantes were not popular in Abuja, just that more communities are now using them since security has become a major source of concern in the FCT. We also have a private security outfit working for us here too and we pay N1,000 monthly per apartment for those in my area.”
Ohunene Abraham, works at the airport: “These days, I am more vigilant and conscious of my surroundings. I no longer contribute to discussions that pertain to politics, tribe or religion especially in public places.
“These have become sensitive and inflammatory topics in Nigeria today.
I rather mind my business because no one knows who is who.”
Emmanuel Ukeh, a driver living in Zuba said: “I have two very sharp cutlasses permanently hidden somewhere in my house for any emergency.
I cannot take chances. In this country today, depending on the government to protect you is a huge risk that I am not willing to take.
“One must always be prepared to defend oneself at any given time. We are living in dangerous times. Abuja is becoming something else.”
Mrs Dupe John, a mother of three said: “I have already warned my kids about being vigilant.
“There is a curfew in my house now. Everyone must be back home by 6pm. And anyone that is going out must tell someone in the family where he or she is going. No more attending any sort of gatherings or parties including religious ones.
“We all pray at home. When I use public vehicles, I make sure I capture the number plate before entering. I have also taught my kids to do the same. I believe security starts with us. We must learn to protect ourselves first. We cannot depend solely on the government.”