Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari have jointly called on Nigerians to close ranks and present a united front against terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes across the country.
Both leaders cautioned that criminal elements must not be allowed to weaken national unity or erode public confidence in Nigeria’s future, issuing their appeals in separate statements on Saturday.
Their remarks come amid renewed security concerns following the abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, alongside fresh attacks by terrorists and bandits in parts of northern Nigeria.
Sanwo-Olu urged citizens to support President Bola Tinubu and security agencies in their efforts to tackle insecurity, while Yari emphasized the need for a collective national response that goes beyond government action alone.
In a statement obtained by Journalists, Sanwo-Olu warned against allowing fear, political divisions or ethnic sentiments to undermine the country’s resolve in confronting criminality.
He noted that recent violent incidents should serve as a reminder of the need for unity rather than political blame games.
“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.
Sanwo-Olu described every life lost to violence as a national tragedy and called for prayers and solidarity for victims, including those affected by the Oyo school abductions.
“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.
He maintained that Nigeria has the resilience and capacity to overcome its security challenges if citizens remain united and continue to support 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 governor also paid tribute to military personnel and other security operatives involved in counterterrorism and anti-banditry operations nationwide, urging public support for their efforts.
“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.
Sanwo-Olu further stressed the importance of community involvement in intelligence sharing and vigilance, saying government alone cannot defeat insecurity.
“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.
On his part, AbdulAziz Yari expressed grief over recent killings and attacks, describing the suffering of affected families as a shared national burden.
He condemned the violence and warned that criminal groups were deliberately seeking to divide Nigerians and destabilise the country.
“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.
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“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.
Yari, who represents Zamfara West in the Senate, said security should be treated as a collective responsibility involving citizens, community leaders, traditional rulers, religious institutions and civil society groups.
He urged Nigerians to support security agencies with credible intelligence while promoting peace within 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 also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organisations and women’s groups to promote dialogue and peacebuilding efforts to deny criminals safe havens.
Commending President Tinubu and security agencies for ongoing efforts, Yari urged Nigerians not to succumb to despair.
“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.
He expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome its security challenges, noting the resilience of its people.
“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.