Abbas Urges Nigerians to Stay Calm Amid Rising Violence

By Oluwakemi Kindness
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has urged Nigerians to remain calm and resolute, emphasising that fear must not dictate daily life as violent attacks continue across the country.

Addressing lawmakers on Tuesday, during a special plenary session on national security, Abbas cited recent incidents, including the abduction of students in Niger State and the kidnapping of worshippers in Kwara State.

“These attacks are designed to instill fear, weaken public confidence, and give the illusion that violent groups are everywhere at once. Nigeria must reject this tactic. We must resist fear and stand firm against those who rely on cruelty to advance their evil agendas,” he said.

The Speaker praised the swift actions of security forces that led to the rescue of worshippers and students, and he observed a minute of silence for officers who lost their lives in service.
Abbas also warned against spreading misinformation, particularly on social media, stressing that fake news and misleading imagery could worsen insecurity. He urged Nigerians to rely on official sources and reputable media for updates.

“Our response must be disciplined, empathetic, and united. Violence will not weaken our resolve,” Abbas emphasized, highlighting that the session aimed to assess security constructively, not to assign blame.

He noted reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, including the liberation of thousands of captives, neutralization of high-ranking violent actors, and the return of millions of displaced persons, urging citizens to focus on progress rather than panic.

Following the Speaker, House Leader Professor Julius C. Ihonvbere delivered a detailed regional security analysis