A former governor of Zamfara State and Senator for Zamfara West, Alhaji Abdul-Aziz Yari, yesterday called for national unity, collective responsibility and renewed hope in the battle against insecurity in the country.
In a statement, Yari said, “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.
“To every family that has lost a loved one, to every community living under fear, and to every Nigerian whose peace of mind has been disrupted by these unfortunate events, I extend my heartfelt sympathy and prayers.
“The pain of one Nigerian is the pain of all Nigerians. At moments such as this, we must remember that beyond our differences of ethnicity, religion, language, or region, we remain one people bound together by a common destiny.”
Speaking to the heart of the crisis, Yari said, “I strongly condemn these senseless acts of violence and criminality. 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.
“Today, more than ever before, Nigerians must come together in unity and solidarity. Security is not merely the responsibility of government and security agencies; it is a shared national responsibility.
“Every citizen has a role to play through vigilance, cooperation with law enforcement, the sharing of credible information, and the promotion of peace within our communities. As a nation, we must resist the temptation to blame one another or retreat into ethnic, religious, or regional sentiments.
“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.
“I appeal to our traditional rulers, religious leaders, community associations, youth groups, women leaders, and civil society organisations to continue serving as bridges of peace and understanding. Let us strengthen the values of neighbourliness, mutual trust, and collective vigilance that have always defined our communities.
“I also wish to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of our armed forces, intelligence agencies, police, and other security institutions for their ongoing efforts and sacrifices. The responsibility placed upon them is enormous, and while much work remains to be done, they deserve the support, encouragement, and cooperation of all patriotic Nigerians as they confront those who threaten our national peace and stability.
“This is not the time for despair. It is not the time for division. It is the time for unity, courage, and collective resolve. The history of our great nation is a story of resilience. Time and again, Nigerians have demonstrated the capacity to rise above adversity and emerge stronger. I have no doubt that we shall do so again.
“Let us stand shoulder to shoulder as brothers and sisters. Let us comfort those who mourn, support those who protect us, and work together to deny criminals and enemies of our nation the opportunity to divide us.
“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. May Almighty Allah continue to bless, protect, and guide the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
