The Abuja Concerned Citizens Forum (ACCF) has urged the Minister of State for FCT, Haj. Ramatu Tijjani, who is leading the FCT committee on palliatives to engage the services of credible Civil Society Organisations in the distribution of palliatives to residents of the Federal Capital Territory whose means of livelihood has been badly affected by the ongoing lockdown occasioned by COVID-pandemic.

The Convener of the Forum, Osaro Onaiwu who made the cal on Tuesday said it has become imperative for the FCT committee assigned with the responsibility of sharing relief packages to distressed residents to involve credible community-based organisations in the task. He said the purpose is to ensure proper monitoring, evaluating and escalating of the process where necessary.

"It is evident that Abuja residents are becoming restless and agitated as it seems the much touted relief materials are not reaching the people who need it. We are daily being inundated with series of requests from people who can no longer fend for themselves and their families.

"These people who live on daily earnings from menial jobs which are no longer available lurk around estates and middle-class locations in the Abuja city. I am afraid we may start witnessing people breaking into homes to steal if something is not urgently done" Mr. Onaiwu noted passionately.

The ACCF convener said it was ironic that despite the many news about distribution of relief materials in the FCT, many residents are denying receipt of such. He therefore urged the committee to involve independent bodies to ensure a more transparent process.

Mr. Onaiwu further advised the committee that while they spread their tentacles to residents in the area councils, persons living in the adjoining villages and settlements around the city center must not be neglected as they pose greater risk of revolt if they are not attended to.

Mr. Onaiwu specifically advocated for residents living around Apo, Lokogoma, Lugbe, Durumi, Garki village, Utako village, Gishiri, Mpape, Nyanya, Karu, Jikwoyi, Kurudu, Orozo and Karshi and similar settlements in Abuja.