society
Abuja Under Siege: When the Capital’s Promise Becomes a Hunting Ground. By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
Abuja Under Siege: When the Capital’s Promise Becomes a Hunting Ground.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
Power, pomp and paranoia – Nigeria’s seat of government is being hollowed out by crime.
Abuja was designed to be Nigeria’s safest city, a meticulously planned capital where power, diplomacy and order converge. It was built to stand apart from the chaos of Lagos and the volatility of other Nigerian regions. Yet today, this “CITY of PEACE” is steadily transforming into a hunting ground for kidnappers, robbers and violent opportunists who stalk its highways and suburbs with audacious confidence.
Between January and December 2024, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command recorded over 1,400 reported crimes, including 268 armed robberies, 104 kidnappings and hundreds of other violent incidents. While officials claim there has been a “15% DECLINE in CRIME” compared to 2023, most residents feel the opposite, that the fear on Abuja’s streets is not receding but mutating into something more menacing.
“When citizens no longer feel safe in the capital, it is not just a security failure – it is a failure of governance itself.”
~ Prof. Etannibi Alemika, criminologist, University of Jos
The irony is striking: the city that houses the Presidential Villa, the National Assembly and the Supreme Court has itself become a theater of lawlessness. From the affluent districts of Maitama and Asokoro to the densely populated suburbs of Kubwa, Gwagwalada and Kuje, insecurity now transcends class, geography and status.
The Rise of “ONE-CHANCE” Criminality.
Among Abuja’s most terrifying trends is the surge in “one-chance” robberies, a crime where unsuspecting commuters board vehicles that appear legitimate, only to be assaulted, robbed or even abducted en route. These syndicates operate with precision, exploiting rush-hour desperation and the gaps in urban surveillance.
“Abuja is no longer the sanitized capital it once was,” says security analyst Kabir Adamu of Beacon Consulting. “The city’s rapid expansion has outpaced its policing capacity. Criminals have learned to adapt faster than our systems can respond.”
This adaptation is visible everywhere. Satellite towns such as Lugbe, Karu, Nyanya and Dei-Dei are hotspots, where kidnappings often go unreported due to fear or lack of trust in the police. Even near heavily guarded areas, brazen robberies have occurred, challenging the illusion that power offers protection.
The Politics of Fear and Failure.
The insecurity in Abuja is not an isolated outbreak; it is a symptom of systemic decay. The capital’s policing architecture has become reactive rather than proactive, a cycle of deploying special units after tragedies rather than preventing them.
Following a wave of kidnappings early this year, the FCT Administration announced the creation of new tactical teams. Yet within weeks, another series of abductions hit the Bwari axis and Gwagwalada. The pattern is painfully clear: TEMPORARY MEASURES THAT COLLAPSE ONCE MEDIA ATTENTION FADES.
“The crisis of Abuja is not a lack of guns; it is a lack of governance.”
~ George O. Sylvester
The FCT’s unique status as a federal territory has also complicated accountability. Local area councils lack the autonomy and resources to implement long-term crime-prevention strategies. Meanwhile, federal agencies overlap and sometimes compete for jurisdiction, creating a bureaucratic fog that criminals exploit.
Economic Desperation: The Hidden Driver.
Crime does not rise in a vacuum. Abuja’s glittering skyline hides deep social inequality. Unemployment among youths in the FCT stood at over 33% in 2024, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. The rapid urban influx has outstripped housing, education and employment infrastructure, leaving thousands of young men idle, angry and susceptible to criminal networks.
Dr. Jide Ojo, a public affairs analyst, warns that “until the socioeconomic foundations are addressed, the police will always be chasing shadows.” In his view, sustainable security cannot exist where basic livelihoods are collapsing.
A City Losing Its Moral Centre.
Abuja’s insecurity has eroded not just safety but confidence in state institutions. When diplomats require armed convoys to attend official events, when residents crowd online forums to warn each other of unsafe roads and when families begin setting curfews for fear of abduction, the symbolism of the capital as the “SEAT of ORDER” collapses.
The effects ripple through the economy: fewer investors, reduced nightlife and an unquantifiable psychological cost. The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) estimates that insecurity has contributed to a 20% drop in small business activity across FCT suburbs in the past year.
“Fear is bad for business and right now, Abuja’s economy is being taxed by terror.”
~ Muda Yusuf, Economist & CEO, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise
What Must Be Done.
Intelligence-Led Policing:
Abuja’s security apparatus must move beyond random patrols. A data-driven approach (using surveillance technology, integrated command centres and neighborhood intelligence networks) is crucial.
Community Partnership:
Community policing should be institutionalised. Local vigilance groups can be formalised and trained to complement the police under strict oversight.
Accountability and Reform:
Corruption within security ranks must be confronted head-on. A 2024 CLEEN Foundation report found that over 40% of Nigerians distrust police response due to alleged collusion and bribery. Without reform, no amount of hardware will help.
Socioeconomic Interventions:
Government must invest in urban employment schemes, vocational training, and affordable housing to address root causes. Crime feeds on desperation; hope is its antidote.
Transparency:
Security briefings should become regular, honest, and data-backed — not propaganda exercises. Citizens deserve clarity, not spin.
A Capital at a Crossroads.
Every great city mirrors its country’s soul. Abuja’s current descent reflects Nigeria’s broader struggle between governance and collapse, promise and paralysis. If the capital (the heart of political power) cannot guarantee safety, what message does that send to Kano, Port Harcourt or Jos?
As the late Chinua Achebe warned in The Trouble with Nigeria, “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership.” Today, that failure echoes across Abuja’s darkened streets and deserted highways.
If this crisis is not reversed, the city will not just lose its peace, it will lose its purpose. A nation that cannot secure its capital cannot claim sovereignty. Abuja must rise again, not by rhetoric, but by reform and relentless resolve.
Viral “Chat With God” Claim Targeting Kenyan Prophet David Owuor Proven False
By George Omagbemi Sylvester, SaharaWeeklyNG
“Viral screenshot sparks national controversy as the Ministry of Repentance and Holiness dismisses fabricated “divine” WhatsApp exchange, raising urgent questions about faith, digital misinformation, and religious accountability in Kenya.”
A sensational social media claim that Kenyan evangelist Prophet Dr. David Owuor displayed a WhatsApp conversation between himself and God has been definitively debunked as misinformation, sparking national debate over digital misinformation, religious authority and faith-based claims in Kenya.
On February 18–19, 2026, an image purporting to show a WhatsApp exchange between a deity and Prophet Owuor circulated widely on Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp groups and TikTok. The screenshot, allegedly shared during one of his sermons, was interpreted by many as illustrating unprecedented direct communication with the divine delivered through a mainstream messaging platform; a claim that, if true, would have broken new ground in how religious revelation is understood in contemporary society.
However, this narrative quickly unraveled. Owuor’s Ministry of Repentance and Holiness issued an unequivocal public statement calling the image “fabricated, baseless and malicious,” emphasizing that he has never communicated with God through WhatsApp and has not displayed any such digital conversation to congregants. The ministry urged the public and believers to disregard and stop sharing the image.
Independent analysis of the screenshot further undermined its credibility: timestamps in the image were internally inconsistent and the so-called exchange contained chronological impossibilities; clear indicators of digital fabrication rather than an authentic conversation.
This hoax coincides with rising scrutiny of Owuor’s ministry. Earlier in February 2026, national broadcaster TV47 aired an investigative report titled “Divine or Deceptive”, which examined alleged “miracle healing” claims associated with Owuor’s crusades, including assertions of curing HIV and other chronic illnesses. Portions of that investigation suggested some medical documentation linked to followers’ health outcomes were fraudulent or misleading, intensifying debate over the intersection of faith and public health.
Credible faith leaders have weighed in on the broader context. Elias Otieno, chairperson of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), recently urged that “no religious leader should replace God or undermine medicine,” affirming a widely accepted Christian understanding that divine healing does not supplant established medical practice. He warned against unverified miracle claims that may endanger lives if believers forego medical treatment.
Renowned communications scholar Professor Pippa Norris has noted that in digital societies, “religious authority is increasingly contested in the public sphere,” and misinformation (intentional or accidental) can quickly erode trust in both religious and secular institutions. Such dynamics underscore the importance of rigorous fact-checking and responsible communication, especially when claims intersect profoundly with personal belief and public well-being.
In sum, the viral WhatsApp chat narrative was not a revelation from the divine but a striking example of how misinformation can exploit reverence for religious figures. Owuor’s swift repudiation of the false claim and broader commentary from established church bodies, underline the ongoing challenge of balancing deeply personal faith experiences with the evidence-based scrutiny necessary in a digitally connected world.
society
HOPE BEYOND THE WALLS 2026: ASSOCIATION OF MODELS SUCCESSFULLY SECURES RELEASE OF AN INMATE, CALLS FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT
HOPE BEYOND THE WALLS 2026: ASSOCIATION OF MODELS SUCCESSFULLY SECURES RELEASE OF AN INMATE, CALLS FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT
The Association of Models (AOMNGO) proudly announces the successful completion of the first edition of Hope Beyond the Walls 2026, a humanitarian initiative dedicated to restoring hope and freedom to deserving inmates.
Despite enormous challenges, financial pressure, emotional strain, and operational stress, the organization remained committed to its mission. Through perseverance, faith, and collective support, one inmate has successfully regained freedom a powerful reminder that hope is stronger than circumstance.
This milestone did not come easily.
Behind the scenes were weeks of coordination, advocacy, fundraising, documentation, and intense engagement. There were moments of uncertainty, but the determination to give someone a second chance kept the vision alive.
Today, the Association of Models gives heartfelt appreciation to all partners and sponsors, both locally and internationally, who stood with us mentally, financially, morally, and physically.
Special Recognition and Appreciation To:
Correctional Service Zonal Headquarters Zone A Ikoyi
Esan Dele
Ololade Bakare
Ify
Kweme
Taiwo & Kehinde Solagbade
Segun
Mr David Olayiwola
Mr David Alabi
PPF Zion International
OlasGlam International
Razor
Mr Obinna
Mr Dele Bakare (VOB International)
Tawio Bakare
Kehinde Bakare
Hannah Bakare
Mrs Doyin Adeyemi
Shade Daniel
Mr Seyi United States
Toxan Global Enterprises Prison
Adeleke Otejo
Favour
Yetty Mama
Loko Tobi Jeannette
MOSES OLUWATOSIN OKIKIADE
Moses Okikiade
(Provenience Enterprise)
We also acknowledge the numerous businesses and private supporters whose names may not be individually mentioned but whose contributions were instrumental in achieving this success.
Your generosity made freedom possible.
A CALL TO ACTION
Hope Beyond the Walls is not a one-time event. It is a movement.
There are still many deserving inmates waiting for a second chance individuals who simply need financial assistance, legal support, and advocacy to reunite with their families and rebuild their lives.
The Association of Models is therefore calling on:
Corporate organizations
Local and international sponsors
Philanthropists
Faith-based organizations
Community leaders
Individuals with a heart for impact
to partner with us.
Our vision is clear:
To secure the release of inmates regularly monthly, quarterly, or during special intervention periods through structured support and transparent collaboration.
HOW TO SUPPORT
Interested partners and supporters can reach out via
Social Media: Official Handles Hope In Motion
Donations and sponsorship inquiries are welcome.
Together, we can turn difficult stories into testimonies of restoration.
ABOUT AOMNGO
The Association of Models (AOMNGO) is a humanitarian driven organization committed to advocacy, empowerment, and social impact. Through projects like Hope Beyond the Walls, the organization works tirelessly to restore dignity and create opportunities for individuals seeking a second chance.
“When we come together, walls fall and hope rises.”
For media interviews, partnerships, and sponsorship discussions, please contact the Association of Models directly.
SENATOR ADEOLA YAYI REGISTERS 4000 JAMB CANDIDATES
In continuation of his educational support initiatives and following established tradition, Senator Solomon Adeola (APC,Ogun West) has successfully paid for and enrolled 4000 indigent students for the 2026 Joint Admission Matriculation Board(JAMB) examination.
According to a release e-signed and made available to members of the League of Yewa-Awori Media Practitioners (LOYAMP) by High Chief Kayode Odunaro, Media Adviser to Senator Adeola and shared with (your mediu), the programme financed by the senator under the “SEN YAYI FREE JAMB 2026” ended on Saturday , February 21, 2026, with a total of 4000 candidates successfully enrolled with their PINs provided.
Commenting on the success of the programme, Senator Adeola said the programme is another leg of his personal educational empowerment for indigent but brilliant citizens preparatory to his scholarship and bursary facilitation for tertiary education institutions’ students.
“As far as I can help it, none of our children will miss educational opportunities arising out of adverse economic predicament of their parents or guardians”, he stated.
Successful candidates cut across all the three senatorial districts of Ogun State with 2183 coming from Ogun West, 1358 coming from Ogun Central and 418 from Ogun East.
Some of the candidates that applied and are yet to get their PINs due wrong information supplied in their profiles and being underage as discovered by JAMB and other reasons are being further assisted to see the possibility of getting their PINs.
The Free JAMB programme of the Senator that has been running for years is well received by appreciative beneficiaries and their parents.
Alhaji Suara Adeyemi from Ipokia Local Government whose daughter successfully got her PIN in the programme said the Senator’s gesture was a welcome financial relief for his family at this period after payment of numerous school fees of other siblings of the beneficiary seeking admission to higher institution.
Also posting on the social media handle of the Senator, a beneficiary Mr. Henry Olaitan, from Odeda LGA said that he would have missed doing the entry examination as his guardian cannot afford the fees for himself and two of his children.
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