As Nigerians continue to condemn the rising incidence of crime in the land, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has appealed to Nigerians to allow security agencies the space to deal with the disturbing cases of banditry and armed robbery, rather than resorting to peddling political narratives and stereotypes.
Director General of NOA, Dr. Garba Abari made the appeal in the wake of popular outcry against the murder of Mrs. Funke Olakunrin, daughter of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, leader of Afenifere pan-Yoruba group by suspected bandits.
While condoling with the family of late Olakunrin on behalf of the Agency, the Director General said every Nigerian has a role in the process of resolving the spate of criminal activities through our civic and patriotic duties, noting however, that security agencies are mandated, primarily, to investigate and prosecute offenders.
Abari urged political players to stop the dangerous name calling and stigmatization and, as leaders, show more understanding and tolerance of the diverse people in the country in the spirit of shared humanity and a united nation.
While condemning the murder of Olakurin, Abari observed that the spate of killings have also been reported in various parts of the country, a situation that demands a unified response in condemnation of the killing of Nigerians in all parts of the country. “We must rise as a people to condemn the activities of criminals who snuff life out of our people, disrupt our peace and order and spread hate and disharmony in our country” he said
He however said the security agencies are working assiduously to identify and bring perpetrators of the heinous crimes to justice, urging Nigerians to support the security agencies in this regard.