Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and former Zamfara State governor, Abdulaziz Yari, have called on Nigerians to unite against terrorism, banditry and other forms of violent crimes.
They warned that criminal groups must not be allowed to divide the country or weaken public confidence in the nation’s future.
Sanwo-Olu and Yari made the appeal in separate statements on Saturday.
The calls came against the backdrop of the recent abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as well as renewed attacks by terrorists and bandits in parts of the North.
While Sanwo-Olu urged Nigerians to rally behind President Bola Tinubu and the nation’s security agencies in confronting the insecurity challenges, Yari stressed that the fight against the menace required collective national action beyond government efforts alone.
In a statement obtained by Sunday PUNCH, Sanwo-Olu said Nigerians must not allow fear, political differences or ethnic divisions to undermine the country’s collective resolve against criminal elements.
According to him, the recent incidents of violence should serve as a reminder of the need for national unity rather than political recriminations.
“Recent security incidents in parts of our country have understandably generated concerns among citizens.
“But moments like this in our national life require that we remind ourselves of our national character as a people. We are Nigerians. Our will is strong and our spirit is unbreakable,” the governor stated.
He described every loss of life resulting from violence as a national tragedy and urged Nigerians to remember victims of insecurity in their prayers.
The governor warned against attempts to politicise insecurity, noting that terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal groups do not discriminate based on ethnicity, religion or political affiliation.
“Every life lost is a tragedy. Every community threatened by violence deserves our solidarity, support and protection. We must be united in our prayers for the teachers and students abducted from Oriire Local Government in Oyo State.
“The forces of evil confronting our nation do not ask for our political affiliation before they kill, maim and destroy. So must our resolve and support for our nation be devoid of political leanings and divisive rhetoric,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu maintained that despite the challenges confronting the country, Nigeria possesses the capacity to overcome insecurity through resilience, unity and sustained support for security institutions.
“The security challenge confronting our nation today is not insurmountable. The forces seeking to spread fear and instability do not represent the character of our people or the future of our country. Their actions are designed to weaken our resolve and diminish our confidence. We must deny them that victory,” he said.
The Lagos governor also paid tribute to members of the armed forces and other security personnel engaged in counterterrorism and anti-banditry operations across the country.
“Every day, brave men and women put themselves in harm’s way to defend our nation and preserve our freedoms. They deserve our prayers and our support as they take on these forces of evil.
“Lasting solutions are rarely achieved overnight, but progress is possible when a nation stands firmly behind those charged with protecting it,” he noted.
He called on citizens to support security agencies through vigilance and intelligence sharing, stressing that the battle against insecurity could not be won by government alone.
The governor further expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership and the ability of the military, intelligence agencies and other security institutions to confront the country’s security threats.
“As citizens, we all have a stake in the security and stability of our country. Government alone cannot win this battle without the support, cooperation, vigilance and active intelligence sharing by local communities.
“I wish to reiterate my confidence in the leadership of President Tinubu and in the ability of our security and intelligence services to defeat the forces of evil unleashing terror attacks on soft targets within the civilian population,” he said.
Similarly, Yari urged Nigerians to close ranks against criminal groups, warning that insecurity should not be viewed through ethnic, religious or political lenses.
The former governor, in a personally signed statement obtained by Sunday PUNCH on Saturday expressed sadness over recent attacks and killings across the country, describing the pain of affected families and communities as a collective national burden.
Yari condemned what he described as senseless acts of violence and criminality, saying the perpetrators were deliberately targeting national unity and social cohesion.
“I am deeply saddened by the recent incidents of violence and insecurity that have claimed innocent lives and brought pain, grief and uncertainty to many families and communities across our nation.
“The enemies of our country seek to sow fear, create division and weaken the spirit of our people. Their objective is to make us distrust one another and lose faith in our nation. We must never allow them to succeed,” he said.
The senator representing Zamfara West argued that security should be regarded as a shared responsibility involving citizens, community leaders, traditional institutions, religious organisations and civil society groups.
According to him, Nigerians must support security agencies with credible information while promoting peace and harmony in their communities.
“Terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements do not distinguish between tribe, faith or political affiliation. Their victims are Nigerians. Therefore, our response must also be Nigerian, united, collective and unwavering,” Yari said.
He urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organisations and women groups to continue promoting dialogue, peacebuilding and community cooperation as part of efforts to deny criminals safe havens.
The former governor also commended President Tinubu and security agencies for ongoing efforts to address the country’s security challenges and restore peace in troubled areas.
“This is not the time for despair. It is not the time for division. It is the time for unity, courage and collective resolve,” he stated.
Expressing optimism about the country’s future, Yari said Nigerians had repeatedly demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity and would ultimately overcome the current wave of insecurity.
“With unity of purpose, faith in God and commitment to one another, we shall overcome these challenges. Nigeria will prevail. Peace will prevail. The spirit of our people will prevail,” he said.
