Global Edition
Global Edition
UK Edition
EU Edition
US Edition

Understand the story, not the spin.

Markets

Nigerian Leaders Urge Unity After Oyo Kidnappings

Published 7 June 2026

Amid a series of recent security incidents across Nigeria, political leaders have issued calls for national unity and resilience, urging citizens to support security forces and avoid division. The appeals follow attacks and abductions, including the kidnapping of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a public statement, appealed to Nigerians not to lose faith and to rally behind President Bola Tinubu and the nation's security agencies. He described recent violent events as tragic and a source of understandable concern but insisted the country's challenges are not insurmountable. "Our will is strong and our spirit is unbreakable," he said, emphasizing that the nation has historically overcome periods of economic, political, and security crises through resilience and unity.

The governor stressed that the fight against insecurity should not be politicized, noting that violent criminals target citizens indiscriminately. "The forces of evil confronting our nation do not ask for our political affiliation before they kill, maim and destroy," Sanwo-Olu stated. He expressed sympathy for victims and called for...

Now playing
0:00 / 0:00