Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has warned enemies of the nation against importing mercenaries to destabilize the country.
The Governor who spoke when he received the President, Northern Youth Association of Nigeria (NYAN), Comrade Godiya Adams Bogoro and 10 other Northern youth leaders, said it is important for all Nigerians to join hand to tackle insecurity.
Governor 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 destabilization, ahead of the 2027 general elections in the country.
He said: “Politics is around the corner, and crises have started showing up again. People cannot continue to use the youths 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 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. They did not mean well for Nigeria. We should all stand up against such this time around as tomorrow belongs to the youths.
“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 and as youths of Nigeria.
“I thank you for this visit and for appreciating my administration’s efforts in resolving 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.”
Leader of the Northern delegation, Comrade Godiya Adams 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.
Similarly, the Governor also hosted the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Edo State Chapter, where he admonished members to shun drugs and violence in order to guarantee a better future.
