IGP, address this rampant cases of car theft in FCT

The rising cases of car theft in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja are becoming worrisome and embarrassing.  In most cases, the cars were successfully stolen with no signs or hope of getting them back days, weeks, months and years after the ugly incidents, leaving the victims to suffer emotional and psychological trauma.  I deem […]

The rising cases of car theft in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja are becoming worrisome and embarrassing.  In most cases, the cars were successfully stolen with no signs or hope of getting them back days, weeks, months and years after the ugly incidents, leaving the victims to suffer emotional and psychological trauma. 

I deem it necessary to write this letter because of an unsuccessful attempt to steal another car belonging to my friend last Thursday in Wuse 2 Area of Abuja. The unknown criminals disconnected the security wires. But they were prevented from going away with the car by the pedal lock used to hold the steering.   

About nine months ago, two of my friends lost their cars under similar circumstances. Despite the efforts made to retrieve the stolen vehicles, nothing has been heard from the police which statutory role is to ensure safety of lives and property of the citizens.    

The attitude of the police officers in one of the incidents was worrisome. It is expected that when somebody suffers any forms of loss, the personnel of the Nigeria Police should provide the needed psychological support. Instead of displaying a high sense of care and affection for the victims, the officers were busy asking what I can call irrelevant questions and requesting for funds to either make phone calls or type the police extract report. 

This attitude has made people like me to think that the police work when the stolen vehicles belong to the very important personalities (VIP) in Nigeria as we have had several reports of VIPs whose cars were recovered within days.   

I want the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to tell its officers and men to always exhibit best human relations strategies while attending to people who are psychologically disturbed due to either any sudden loss of property or other unpalatable incidents.

On the rising cases of car theft, the police boss needs to address this issue now before it gets out of hand. If cars stolen in the FCT cannot be recovered within 24 hours, the implication is that Nigeria may be considered as an unsafe country.   

The time is now for the police to work with other necessary agencies like the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) to facilitate quick recovery of stolen vehicles across the country.

From Sumbo Lawal, Abuja