Akpabio Vows to Expose Sponsors of Terrorism and Insecurity

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called for the exposure and defeat of individuals sponsoring terrorism, kidnapping and violent crimes across Nigeria, declaring that those behind the country's security challenges must be identified and brought to justice regardless of their status or position.

Akpabio made the remarks on Sunday during an inter-denominational church service held at the National Christian Centre in Abuja as part of activities commemorating Nigeria's Democracy Day celebrations.

The event, themed "God of Hope, Actualise Our Dreams," brought together senior government officials, religious leaders and worshippers to reflect on the country's democratic journey and the challenges confronting the nation.

Against the backdrop of rising insecurity across several regions, the Senate President urged Nigerians to continue praying for divine intervention and for those responsible for sponsoring violence to be exposed.

"We must continue praying so that the evil doers and their sponsors shall be exposed," Akpabio said.

"If they are in government, they shall be exposed. If they are outside government, they shall be exposed. Those sponsoring it, whether politically motivated or not, may they never have peace until they are defeated."

His comments come at a time when communities across the country continue to grapple with terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and communal violence.

Akpabio acknowledged the widespread fear and uncertainty created by insecurity, noting that many farmers are afraid to return to their farms while travellers increasingly undertake journeys with apprehension.

"There is no denying that insecurity continues to trouble our land. Communities have been attacked. Farmers fear returning to their fields. Travellers journey with uncertainty. Families mourn loved ones lost to violence and criminality," he said.

Drawing from his experience as governor of Akwa Ibom State, Akpabio recalled introducing monthly prayer sessions nearly two decades ago as part of efforts to confront militancy, kidnappings and violent crimes.

He suggested that spiritual support remained an important complement to government action.

The Senate President also spoke emotionally about the suffering of abducted children and their families, describing their ordeal as a national tragedy.

Recalling his experiences during the Nigerian Civil War, he said he understood the emotional trauma associated with uncertainty and fear.

"My heart breaks for every child in captivity and every parent who lies awake through the long hours of the night not knowing whether a son or daughter is safe, hungry, frightened or even alive," he said.

Akpabio assured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu's administration remains committed to restoring peace and securing the release of citizens held captive by criminal groups.

He disclosed that Democracy Day activities this year were deliberately scaled down in recognition of the security and economic realities confronting many Nigerians. Despite the challenges, the Senate President urged citizens not to lose hope.

He pointed to Nigeria's resilience through periods of political instability, military rule, economic difficulties, disease outbreaks and insurgencies.

"We have survived political upheavals, economic turbulence and pandemics. Yet here we stand. Twenty-seven years of democratic governance. Twenty-seven years of constitutional order and hope renewed," he said.

As the country marks another Democracy Day anniversary, Akpabio's message reflected a broader appeal for national unity, perseverance and collective determination in confronting the security challenges threatening Nigeria's progress.