ABUJA — Senate President Godswill Akpabio has issued a resolute call for Nigerians to intensify prayer efforts in the ongoing battle against the nation’s security crises. Speaking during an Inter-Denominational Church Service at the National Christian Centre in Abuja to mark Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, Akpabio demanded that those behind the country’s wave of terrorism and kidnapping be brought to justice.

A Plea for Accountability

During the service, which was themed "God of Hope, Actualise our Dreams," the Senate President took a firm stance against the financiers of violence. Drawing from his tenure as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, where he implemented monthly prayer initiatives to combat militancy and kidnapping, Akpabio emphasized that spiritual reflection must be paired with a demand for truth.

"We must continue praying so that the evil-doers and their sponsors shall be exposed," Akpabio declared. "If they are in government, they shall be exposed. If they are outside government, they shall be exposed. Those sponsoring it, whether it is politically motivated or not, may they never have peace until they are defeated."

Acknowledging National Pain

Reflecting on the emotional toll of the country's insecurity, Akpabio spoke with personal gravity about the suffering of families affected by abductions. Referencing his own childhood experiences during the Nigerian Civil War, he expressed profound empathy for parents of children currently in captivity.

"My heart breaks for every child in captivity and every parent who lies awake through the long hours of the night," he stated. "It is a tragedy that wounds the conscience of our nation. But I assure you, there is a brighter tomorrow. The evil you see today, you shall soon see no more."

Government Commitment to Stability

The Senate President highlighted that the government is acutely aware of the current realities. He noted that President Bola Tinubu had directed that this year’s Democracy Day celebrations be observed in a low-key manner to remain sensitive to the challenges currently facing the populace, including economic hardship and security threats.

Echoing these sentiments, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, reaffirmed the federal government’s dedication to a dual-pronged approach: strengthening security measures to defeat insurgency and implementing economic policies aimed at alleviating the current hardships faced by citizens. Akpabio concluded by assuring the congregation that the administration remains fully committed to the safe release of all abducted persons and the eventual restoration of lasting peace across Nigeria.