- .According to the governor, periods of national difficulty should strengthen unity rather than deepen divisions
- He said the country possesses the resilience and capacity to overcome insecurity if citizens remain united
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari have appealed to Nigerians to stand together against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats confronting the country.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that both leaders, in separate statements issued on Saturday, stressed that criminal groups must not be allowed to undermine national unity or weaken citizens’ confidence in Nigeria’s future.
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Their remarks come amid growing concerns over insecurity, including the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and renewed attacks by armed groups in parts of Northern Nigeria.
Sanwo-Olu called on Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu and security agencies in ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity, urging citizens not to allow political, ethnic or religious differences to distract from the common goal of protecting lives and property.
According to the governor, periods of national difficulty should strengthen unity rather than deepen divisions.
He described the loss of innocent lives to violence as painful and urged Nigerians to remember victims and affected communities in their prayers.
Sanwo-Olu warned against turning security challenges into political contests, noting that criminals target people regardless of their background or affiliations.
He said the country possesses the resilience and capacity to overcome insecurity if citizens remain united and continue supporting law enforcement and military operations.
The governor also commended members of the armed forces and other security personnel for their sacrifices in defending the country against terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes.
He emphasised the importance of public cooperation, saying intelligence sharing and vigilance by local communities remain critical to winning the fight against insecurity.
Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence in the Federal Government’s security strategy and the ability of security institutions to restore peace across troubled areas.
In a similar message, Yari urged Nigerians to reject attempts by criminal elements to create fear and division among citizens.
The former governor described recent killings and attacks as tragic, saying the suffering experienced by affected families should be viewed as a national concern.
He maintained that insecurity should not be interpreted through ethnic, religious or political lenses, as criminals target all Nigerians without discrimination.
Yari called for stronger collaboration among citizens, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community organisations and security agencies to address the problem.
According to him, providing credible information to security operatives and promoting peaceful coexistence within communities are essential steps toward defeating criminal networks.
The senator representing Zamfara West also encouraged youth groups, women associations and community leaders to continue supporting peacebuilding efforts and discouraging activities that could provide cover for criminal elements.
While acknowledging the challenges facing the country, Yari praised ongoing efforts by the Federal Government and security agencies to improve security across various regions.
He expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome its current difficulties through unity, determination and collective action.
Both leaders agreed that national solidarity remains one of the most effective tools in confronting insecurity and preserving the country’s stability.
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