‘We won’t bow to terror’ – Sanwo-Olu rallies Nigerians behind Tinubu

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on Nigerians to unite behind President Bola Tinubu and the nation’s security agencies in the face of recent security challenges.

He declared that the country will overcome the forces threatening its peace and stability.

In a strongly worded statement issued against the backdrop of recent attacks and abductions in parts of the country, Sanwo-Olu urged citizens not to allow fear, political divisions or ethnic differences to weaken national resolve.

The governor described the recent incidents as tragic and deeply concerning but maintained that Nigeria possesses the resilience, courage and unity required to defeat those seeking to spread terror and instability.

“Moments like this require us to remind ourselves of who we are as a people. We are Nigerians. Our will is strong and our spirit is unbreakable,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu stressed that insecurity should not be viewed through partisan lenses, noting that criminals and terrorists do not discriminate based on political affiliation, religion or ethnicity.

According to him, national support for efforts to restore peace and security must therefore transcend political interests and divisive rhetoric.

He expressed sympathy for victims of violent attacks across the country and specifically called for prayers and solidarity for teachers and students recently abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The governor said every life lost to violence represents a tragedy and emphasised the need for Nigerians to stand with communities affected by insecurity.

While acknowledging the gravity of the current security situation, Sanwo-Olu insisted that the challenge was not beyond the country’s capacity to overcome.

He recalled that Nigeria had navigated numerous crises throughout its history, including economic difficulties, political turbulence and security threats, emerging stronger on each occasion.

“The forces seeking to spread fear and instability do not represent the character of our people or the future of our country,” he said, adding that Nigerians must deny criminal elements the psychological victory they seek by refusing to succumb to fear and despair.

The governor also underscored the role of citizens in supporting security efforts, noting that government alone cannot win the fight against insecurity without the cooperation of local communities.

He called on Nigerians to remain vigilant, share intelligence with security agencies and support lawful efforts aimed at protecting lives and property.

According to him, creating a secure environment requires active citizen participation and collective responsibility.

Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership and in the capacity of the nation’s armed forces, intelligence services and other security agencies to defeat criminal groups responsible for attacks on civilian populations.

He commended security personnel serving on the frontlines, describing them as brave men and women who continue to make sacrifices to preserve the nation’s peace and freedom.

The governor noted that ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, improve intelligence gathering and dismantle criminal networks require patience, determination and sustained national support.

He argued that while lasting solutions may not emerge overnight, meaningful progress is achievable when citizens stand firmly behind institutions charged with safeguarding the country.

Addressing young Nigerians, families and communities, Sanwo-Olu urged them to remain hopeful and resilient despite current challenges.

“As Nigerians, our response to adversity must be defined by courage rather than fear, unity rather than division, and hope rather than despair,” he said.

Expressing optimism about the country’s future, the governor maintained that Nigeria’s collective strength remains greater than the ambitions of those seeking to destabilise the nation.

“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,” he stated.

Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence that through unity, vigilance and sustained support for security agencies, Nigeria would emerge safer, stronger and more secure.