Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo has warned politicians against importing mercenaries to destabilise the country.
The governor, who spoke when he received the President, Northern Youth Association of Nigeria, Godiya Bogoro, and 10 other Northern youth leaders, said it is important for all Nigerians to join hands to tackle insecurity.
Okpebholo urged Nigerians, irrespective of tribe or religion, to live peacefully as brothers and sisters.
The governor further urged Nigerian youths never to allow themselves to be used as instruments of destruction and destabilisation, ahead of the 2027 general elections in the country.
He said, “Politics is around the corner, and crises have started again. People cannot continue to use the youth as instruments of destruction for their own selfish gains.
“We should know as youths that tomorrow belongs to us, and we should not allow ourselves to be used to destroy it. As youths, you are the leaders of the nation and the bedrock of its development.
“In 2015, it was all over the news that some persons who did not mean well for Nigeria allegedly brought in mercenaries. We should all stand up against this time around, as tomorrow belongs to the youth.
“These people want to kill, destroy the nation, and we as youths should say no to their plans. We should stand firm against it. Say no to such moves because the country belongs to us as a people.
“I thank you for this visit and for appreciating my administration’s efforts to resolve the issues that happened in Uromi a few weeks ago. I grew up in the Northern part of the country. I see what happened in Uromi as a task that must drive us to attain peace across Nigeria.
“I have sent a message to our people in the North, and what happened in Uromi has been condemned in totality. We urge all Nigerians to collaborate to protect the nation. As Nigerians, we love life and do not enjoy killings. These people who do all these things are not Nigerians. They come in, create crises, and innocent people die.”
Bogoro said the group has been working tirelessly to promote peace and understanding among communities.
He noted that the Uromi incident was tragic and highlighted the need for collaborative action to prevent a future occurrence.
“We commend your administration’s prompt response and commitment to ensure peace and stability in Edo State. Your efforts to address the root causes of insecurity and promote community engagement are truly commendable,” he stated.
