Babangida says Nigerians must unite to fight terrorism

-  A former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, on Wednesday said the security challenge in the country demands collective action from all Nigerians.

Babangida made this known during a condolence visit to the people and government of Gombe over the death of Alhaji Shehu Abubakar, the Emir of Gombe.

The former military Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, visited the state to condole the people.

Babangida, who addressed newsmen after the visit, said the security challenges in the northern part of the country demand that all Nigerians unite to address the problem.

'This problem is our problem. Every Nigerian irrespective of religion, tribe, age, has a role to play, and the sooner we begin to play those roles the better for Nigeria,'' he said.

The former president, who led special prayers during the visit, condoled with the government and people of Gombe for the loss.

Babangida said the emir's death was a loss not only to the people of Gombe, but the country at large.

He called on other traditional rulers and Nigerians in general to emulate the virtues of the late monarch.

Buhari, who spoke at the emir's palace, said he had cordial relationship with the late emir, and prayed that God should grant the people the fortitude to bear the loss.

Gov. Ibrahim Dankwambo, who received the former presidents, thanked them for identifying with the state during this period of sadness. (NAN)