Stop Politicizing Oriire Abduction – Jubril Dotun Sanusi warns
The Okanlomo Odua and Bada Olubadan, Chief Dotun Sanusi, has called on political leaders and other stakeholders to refrain from politicising security issues, stressing that the protection of lives and property should remain above partisan interests.
In a public statement issued following the rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, he said matters relating to national security require responsibility, restraint and unity from all leaders, regardless of political affiliation.
According to him, the abduction of innocent schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire serves as a painful reminder of the security challenges confronting the country and should not be exploited to advance political narratives.
”As Nigerians, we must all agree that security is too important to be dragged into political debates or electoral narratives. At every level, leaders must exercise caution, responsibility and restraint when making public statements on matters relating to the safety and security of our people,” he said.
Chief Sanusi maintained that during periods of national tragedy, the priority should be the protection of lives, the safe rescue of victims and the arrest and prosecution of those responsible, rather than political arguments capable of distracting security agencies from their responsibilities.
He warned against linking criminal activities to political declarations or presidential ambitions without verifiable evidence from the appropriate security authorities, saying such claims could fuel unnecessary speculation and weaken public confidence in ongoing security operations.
”Any attempt to associate the abduction of innocent teachers and schoolchildren with a political declaration or presidential ambition must be supported by credible evidence from the relevant security agencies. Without such evidence, such claims only create unnecessary speculation and undermine confidence in ongoing security efforts,” he stated.
The respected chief stressed that insecurity remains a shared national challenge that requires cooperation among governments, security agencies, community leaders and citizens, irrespective of political, ethnic or religious differences.
”Security is a shared national responsibility. It should unite leaders across political, ethnic and religious divides in a common determination to defeat criminality. Our words must inspire confidence, support the work of security agencies and demonstrate compassion for victims and their families,” he added.
He therefore urged political office holders, public commentators and other stakeholders to be factual, measured and responsible in their public remarks on security matters, insisting that unity and professionalism remain essential to overcoming the country’s security challenges.
”Nigeria’s security challenges require unity, professionalism and collective resolve, not political controversy. We must all work together to build a safer nation for present and future generations,” he said.
Okanlomo Odua prayed for God’s continued protection over Nigeria, strength for security personnel in the discharge of their duties, comfort for families affected by insecurity and lasting peace for Oyo State and the country at large.
