Dare Babalola
The Federal Government has vowed to defeat terrorism ravaging the country, while also rejecting what it described as attempts to frame the country’s security challenges in sectarian terms.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, President Bola Tinubu directed security agencies to deploy more personnel to affected areas and destroy the strongholds of terrorists and bandits.
The statement said, “Against the backdrop of threats to our national unity and geographical firmament, the Federal Government of Nigeria notes with growing concern the divisive and narrow rhetoric seeking to frame the nation’s security challenges in sectarian terms.
“The government categorically refutes any characterization of this situation along religious lines. Such claims are not only factually inaccurate but are also dangerously counterproductive to the national unity required to overcome our shared challenges.”
The government condemned recent attacks, including the killing of a high-ranking Army General, abduction of students in Kebbi State, and attack on a church in Kwara State, saying they would not deter the government from tackling insecurity.
“The recent tragic killing of a high-ranking Army General, the abduction of students in Kebbi State, and the attack on a Church in Kwara State, amongst others, are a stark and painful reminder of the threat we face. This heinous attack on those dedicated to our protection and on the future of our youth, and the assault on our places of worship, only strengthen the resolve of the Federal Government to rise above the challenges and deal a permanent blow to terrorism,” the statement added.
Idris noted President Tinubu dispatched a high-level delegation, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, to Birnin Kebbi to meet with the Kebbi State Governor, security officials, traditional leaders, and families of the abducted students.
“The President has also directed the Military and the Police to deploy more men in Eruku and the entire Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State. Similarly, the Vice President, His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima, at the behest of the President, is at present in Birnin Kebbi to meet with the Governor of Kebbi state, His Excellency Alhaji Nasir Idris, security chiefs, traditional rulers, and families of the abducted school girls.
“The VP’s entourage includes the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, the newly appointed Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, the Minister of Women Affairs, Honourable Imaan Suleiman Ibrahim, and the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Hajiya Zubaida Umar.”
Idris continued that the government has put security apparatuses on high alert to rescue the abducted Kebbi school girls.
“Our security forces have also been mandated to swiftly rescue the abducted Kebbi school girls and reunite them with their families,” the statement added.
Idris emphasised that Nigeria’s security challenges are complex, involving terrorism, banditry, and criminality, affecting citizens across ethnic and religious backgrounds.
He urged Nigerians to stand united against terrorism, reject misinformation, and recognise common enemies seeking to destabilise the nation.
“At this critical time, it is imperative for all Nigerians to stand as one. We must reject misinformation and division, and recognize that our common enemies are terrorists, bandits, and criminals seeking to destabilize our nation.”
The FG noted that it is utilising all resources to secure the nation and ensure the safe return of the abducted Kebbi school girls.
