Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari have urged Nigerians to unite in the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes, warning that criminal groups must not be allowed to fracture national unity or erode confidence in the country’s future.
The two leaders made the call in separate statements on Saturday amid growing concerns over recent abductions in Oyo State and renewed attacks by armed groups in parts of northern Nigeria.
Sanwo-Olu called on citizens to support President Bola Tinubu and security agencies, stressing that national unity remains critical in confronting the country’s security challenges.
He said recent incidents of violence should strengthen collective resolve rather than deepen political divisions.
“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.
Describing every death caused by violence as a national tragedy, Sanwo-Olu urged Nigerians to remember victims of insecurity in their prayers and stand in solidarity with affected communities.
“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.
The governor maintained that Nigeria has the capacity to overcome insecurity through resilience, cooperation and sustained backing 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.
Sanwo-Olu also praised members of the armed forces and security agencies for their sacrifices in protecting 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 urged citizens to support security agencies through vigilance and intelligence sharing, adding that 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.
In a similar appeal, Yari called for a united national response to insecurity, warning against viewing the crisis through ethnic, religious or political lenses.
The senator representing Zamfara West expressed sadness over recent attacks and killings across the country, describing the suffering of victims and their families as a shared national burden.
“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.
Yari emphasised that tackling insecurity requires the involvement of citizens, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community groups alongside government efforts.
“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 encouraged traditional institutions, faith-based organisations, youth groups and women associations to continue promoting peace, dialogue and cooperation within their communities.
The former governor also commended President Tinubu and security agencies for ongoing efforts to 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 confidence in the nation’s resilience, Yari said Nigerians have repeatedly overcome difficult challenges and would ultimately prevail again.
“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.
