The Ondo State Government has mobilised support for the nationwide #UniteAgainstTerror campaign, calling on Nigerians to set aside political, ethnic and religious differences in a unified effort to confront terrorism and other violent crimes threatening the nation’s stability.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, the government said the initiative reflects the urgent need for a collective national response to insecurity, stressing that the fight against terrorism must be sustained through vigilance and active citizen participation.
The mobilisation follows the recent conviction and sentencing of individuals linked to the June 2022 Owo church massacre, a tragic incident that claimed the lives of innocent worshippers and left many others injured.
While welcoming the judicial outcome as a major step towards justice, the government emphasised that the battle against terrorism goes beyond courtroom victories, requiring continuous collaboration between security agencies and the public.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa described the moment as a defining period for Nigerians to unite against terror, noting that national security must rise above partisan considerations.
He urged citizens to take responsibility for the safety of their communities by reporting suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
“When we see something, we must say something,” the governor stated, underscoring the importance of timely information in preventing security breaches.
The government commended the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Amotekun Corps for their resilience, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and protecting the country’s territorial integrity.
It further called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, community associations, youth groups, civil society organisations and media practitioners to embrace the #UniteAgainstTerror campaign as a patriotic movement aimed at strengthening intelligence gathering, enhancing public awareness and denying criminal elements the space to operate.
Reaffirming its commitment to lawful measures that bolster national security, the government urged citizens to remain alert, responsible and actively engaged in the collective effort to secure the nation.
It expressed confidence that unity of purpose and coordinated action would ultimately defeat terrorism and pave the way for a safer and more secure Nigeria.