Residents of Byazhin in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have called for urgent government intervention to address growing insecurity in the community.

The residents made the appeal in separate interviews on Monday.

Residents said they cleared overgrown bushes around residential areas as part of efforts to improve visibility and eliminate potential criminal hideouts.

They said the exercise aimed to complement existing security measures and make the neighbourhood safer.

They said the security situation had altered their daily routines, with many restricting movement, particularly at night.

Some residents have temporarily relocated with their families to safer locations.

Christiana Ugo, one of the affected residents, said she and her family were forced to leave their home because they no longer felt safe.

“We left our home because we were afraid of what could happen. My children and I are currently staying at my sister’s house until things improve.

“We pray we can return home soon and live without fear,” she said.

Ms Ugo stated that although leaving their home was a difficult decision, the safety of her family was non-negotiable.

Another resident, Stephen, popularly known as Papa Elijah, recalled a recent kidnapping incident, alleging that the victim was released after a ransom was paid.

Mr Stephen further alleged that suspected kidnappers operate from a large rock behind the community and appealed to the government to establish a permanent security presence in the area to deter criminal activities.

According to him, the community has intensified local security efforts by organising night patrols.

Also speaking, Oluwa Deji, a resident, said many homeowners had chosen to remain in the community despite the security concerns because abandoning properties they had spent years building was not an option.

Mr Deji noted that residents had resolved to support local vigilante groups and continue working together while hoping for lasting government intervention.

The community leader, Adekunle Adewale, said the community had experienced a few security-related incidents, including attempts by herders to invade the area.

He disclosed that residents had strengthened internal security by engaging security personnel and organising vigilante patrols three times weekly.

He added that monthly security meetings were also held to review developments and assess security strategies.

Mr Adewale noted that the community maintained close collaboration with the police whenever incidents exceeded the capacity of local volunteers.

He, however, expressed concern over what he described as inadequate government presence, noting that residents had largely funded security initiatives, electricity infrastructure and other development projects through the Byazhin Development Association.

He appealed to the government to strengthen security in the community and improve access roads, saying better infrastructure and sustained security operations would further enhance the safety of lives and property.

Mr Adewale also urged residents to remain vigilant, promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies, and continue to work together irrespective of ethnic or religious differences.

He stressed that security was a collective responsibility and encouraged residents to embrace the principle of “If you see something, say something.”

“We must continue to work together as one community. Everyone has a role to play in protecting lives and property,” he said.

The residents appealed to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and relevant security agencies to strengthen surveillance, increase regular patrols, and adopt proactive measures to protect lives and property.

They expressed optimism that sustained government intervention would restore confidence among residents, encourage displaced families to return to their homes, and create a safer environment for normal social and economic activities.

 (NAN)