Vows Clampdown of Activities
- Safiu Kehinde
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has read the riot act against illegal street car racing in Abuja as he vowed clamp down of activities within residential areas across the capital city to safeguard lives and property.
Wike made the vow on Monday while reacting to reports of reckless driving and organised street racing in residential neighbourhoods across the nation’s capital.
Speaking with journalists after inspecting ongoing projects, the minister said civic rights had limits, particularly when public safety and the wellbeing of innocent residents were threatened.
According to him, illegal car racing in residential communities poses a serious danger to public safety and undermines efforts to create a secure and orderly environment.
He warned motorists and thrill seekers against turning newly constructed road networks in the FCT into racing tracks, emphasising that such activities could result in avoidable accidents.
“The racers are trying to show how beautiful the roads are, but then they forget there are aspects of racing that also pose danger to innocent citizens.
“I appeal to them to understand that their rights have limitations, and life is more important.
“Rest assured that we will do everything possible to see that we don’t allow car racing within residential areas but if it is on the highway, well, that we will not stop.
“If they want to engage in car racing, there are designated places for that, not within residential areas,” Wike said.
While noting that the administration had yet to receive a formal petition identifying specific locations, Wike assured residents that the matter would be addressed through internal enforcement mechanisms.
He said the FCT Traffic Management Department would be engaged to ensure compliance, emphasising that high-speed racing within residential neighbourhoods would be strictly prohibited.
The minister urged motorsport enthusiasts to restrict racing activities to designated tracks and approved non-residential locations where public safety would not be compromised.
Wike’s warning against the racing activities is coming hours after a teenager was crushed to death by illegal street car racers in Imo State.
NPO Reported that the teenager simply identified as Chibuike was brutally knocked down by the speeding car around 6pm on Sunday.
Video capturing the incident which occurred at the front gate of the Imo State University showed moment the teenager was swept off his feet as he attempted to cross the road.