The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed that he no longer feels safe visiting restaurants or public places in Abuja without security due to the large crowds that gather whenever he appears.
Speaking on the challenges of moving around the city without security escorts, Wike recounted an incident when he visited a restaurant alone but was forced to leave after dozens of people surrounded him.
“There was a day I went to one of the restaurants to eat, and I didn’t go with security. Upon my arrival, I encountered over 50 people coming to greet me, and I didn’t know what to do. Of course, I didn’t feel safe; you can’t interpret that as people liking you,” he said.
According to the minister, he informed the restaurant staff that he would return another time because he no longer felt comfortable. As he stepped outside, he said he met a group of miscreants waiting to ask him for money.
Wike added that he experienced a similar situation during a visit to the Abuja City Gate, where he had briefly stopped to relax.
“I also went to the City Gate to sit down and met a few people. Suddenly, as word of my presence spread, people started trooping in, and I had to take off,” he said.
The FCT minister said the experiences have made him more cautious about appearing in public without adequate security.
