NyesomWike
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has issued a strong rebuke of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over what it described as the “growing lawlessness” in Abuja, particularly the unchecked presence of cattle on major roads and within high-security zones of the nation’s capital.
In a statement on Wednesday, the rights group expressed outrage that despite existing environmental and urban safety regulations prohibiting animals from roaming on streets and highways, cattle continue to obstruct traffic across key parts of Abuja, including areas near critical government institutions.
HURIWA said the situation reflects a “disturbing breakdown of governance and enforcement” in the FCT, warning that Abuja risks sliding into avoidable chaos if urgent action is not taken.
It accused the FCT Administration under Wike of failing to enforce basic laws meant to regulate movement within the capital city, insisting that the continued presence of roaming cattle on major roads represents both a public safety hazard and a failure of leadership.
“Abuja is not a grazing field. It is the seat of national governance and must not be reduced to an unregulated space where animals freely obstruct highways while citizens are exposed to danger,” the group said.
The organisation also criticised what it described as government indifference to growing insecurity in the capital, citing the persistent activities of “one-chance” robbery gangs that continue to target commuters despite repeated security operations.
HURIWA warned that the combination of unchecked street grazing and rising violent crime signals a deeper institutional failure that demands immediate intervention from security agencies and the FCT Administration.
The group called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to launch a coordinated, intelligence-driven crackdown on criminal networks operating within Abuja, particularly “one-chance” syndicates.
It also demanded greater transparency in the handling of such cases, urging authorities to publish arrest and prosecution records to restore public confidence in the justice system.
HURIWA further stressed that the rule of law must apply uniformly, warning against selective enforcement of regulations in the capital city.
“The normalization of cattle roaming in the city centre, combined with unchecked violent crime, paints a dangerous picture of institutional decay,” the group warned.
The association issued a list of demands, including the immediate enforcement of laws banning open grazing within Abuja, removal of all cattle from highways and restricted zones, and the establishment of a joint security task force to dismantle robbery syndicates terrorising commuters.
HURIWA cautioned that continued inaction would worsen insecurity and deepen public distrust in government institutions.
“Abuja must not be allowed to descend further into administrative chaos and public insecurity. Enough is enough,” it added.
The statement has reignited public debate over urban enforcement, security challenges, and the management of pastoral activities within Nigeria’s capital territory.