The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has dismissed a report published by Daily Trust Newspaper alleging that kidnappers killed two wedding guests within the FCT.
The report, published in the newspaper’s October 6, 2025 edition, was titled “Kidnappers Kill 2 Wedding Guests at FCT.” However, the police authorities in Abuja have clarified that the alleged incident did not take place anywhere within the territory.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the Command’s investigation revealed that the said event occurred in Niger State and not within the FCT as suggested.
The statement explained that the locations mentioned in the story — Garam, Rafin-Azum, and Tafa Local Government Area — are communities situated in Niger State. These areas, though close to the FCT boundary, do not fall under the administrative or security jurisdiction of the territory.
SP Adeh further clarified that the Suleja Police Area Command, which was cited in the report, is also under the Niger State Police Command and not the FCT Command.
She stressed that it was therefore misleading for the report to link the unfortunate incident to the Federal Capital Territory when both the location and the police authority involved belong to a different state.
The Command described the publication as capable of creating unnecessary fear and panic among residents of Abuja, particularly at a time when the police are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of all communities under their watch.
While expressing sympathy for the families of the victims and those affected by the tragic event, the FCT Police Command appealed to journalists and media organizations to maintain a high level of accuracy in their reportage.
The police emphasized the importance of geographical precision in media reports, noting that false or misleading headlines could easily cause public misunderstanding and erode citizens’ trust in the security situation within the capital city.
“The FCT Police Command sympathizes with those affected and acknowledges the proximity of these border communities to Abuja. However, media reports must maintain geographical accuracy to avoid misinforming the public,” the statement noted.
The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ajao S. Adewale, psc, mnips, assured residents that the Command remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting lives and property within the territory.
He urged members of the public to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies as efforts continue to strengthen policing across the FCT and its adjoining areas.
The Commissioner also encouraged residents to promptly report suspicious movements, persons, or activities to the police for swift intervention.
He further provided the Command’s emergency contact numbers: 08032003913 and 08061581938, urging the public to make use of them in times of distress or when suspicious activities are noticed.
The FCT Police Command reiterated its readiness to continue providing accurate information to the public while working closely with journalists who adhere to the principles of professionalism and truth.
