Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has urged Nigerians to remain united and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and security agencies in confronting terrorism and other security challenges across the country.

Mr Sanwo-Olu made the call in a statement on Sunday while reacting to recent security incidents in parts of the country, describing the attacks as unfortunate but not insurmountable.

The governor said Nigerians must not allow the activities of criminal elements to either weaken their resolve or diminish their confidence in the nation’s future.

“We are Nigerians. Our will is strong and our spirit is unbreakable.

“This is the time we must stand united as one people behind our nation’s leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and all of our armed forces,” he said.

According to him, terrorists and other criminal elements do not discriminate based on political affiliation, ethnicity or religion when carrying out attacks, stressing that national support for security efforts should also rise above partisan considerations.

“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 rhetorics,” he said.

Mr Sanwo-Olu expressed sympathy for victims of recent attacks and urged Nigerians to keep affected communities in their prayers.

“Every life lost is a tragedy. Every community threatened by violence deserves our solidarity, support and protection.

“We must continue to keep the victims of these unfortunate incidents in our thoughts and prayers,” he said.

The governor also called for prayers and support for teachers and students abducted in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

He noted that Nigeria had overcome several challenges throughout its history, including economic, political and social difficulties, expressing confidence that the country would emerge stronger from the current security situation.

“Our country has faced many challenges throughout its history. Yet, through resilience, courage and unity of purpose, we have always emerged stronger. This moment will be no different,” he said.

Mr Sanwo-Olu urged citizens to remain vigilant and actively support security agencies through intelligence sharing and cooperation with lawful authorities.

“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,” he said.

The governor reaffirmed his confidence in the president and security institutions, saying efforts to strengthen intelligence gathering and dismantle criminal networks across the country would yield positive results.

“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.

He commended members of the armed forces and other security personnel for their sacrifices in defence of the nation and urged Nigerians to continue supporting them through prayers and encouragement.

Mr Sanwo-Olu said lasting solutions to security challenges required patience, determination and national unity, adding that progress was achievable when citizens stood firmly behind those charged with protecting the country.

“As Governor of Lagos State, I am convinced that our best days remain ahead of us.

“The challenges before us today must not define us. What should define us is how we respond with courage instead of fear, with unity instead of division and with hope instead of despair,” he said.

The governor urged young Nigerians to remain hopeful, families and communities to remain resilient, and security personnel to remain steadfast in the discharge of their duties.

“This battle shall be won. Nigeria will prevail because the collective strength of our people is greater than the evil agenda of the few who are bent on making us live in fear and despair,” Mr Sanwo-Olu said. 

(NAN)