President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, yesterday, warned that rising insecurity across the country posed a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic gains, urging citizens to work with security agencies to defeat terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crimes.
Speaking at the inter-denominational church service held to mark the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, Akpabio said communities continued to face attacks while farmers, travellers, and ordinary citizens lived under the shadow of fear and uncertainty.
He described the abduction of innocent citizens, particularly children, as a tragedy that had deeply wounded the country’s conscience.
Akpabio stressed that government remained committed to securing the release of all those held captive and restoring peace across the country.
He said, “The government remains steadfast in its determination to secure the freedom of those in captivity, defeat the forces of terror and criminality, and restore peace to our communities.
“We shall continue to act, continue to pray, and continue to persevere until our children are safely returned and our nation is secure.”
The senate president stressed that the fight against insecurity could not be left to government alone, calling on Nigerians to remain vigilant and support security agencies with useful information.
He stated, “The struggle against terrorism, kidnapping, and violent criminality requires the vigilance, cooperation and moral resolve of all Nigerians.
“Let communities remain vigilant. Let citizens cooperate with our security agencies. Let families refuse to shield criminals. And let us continue to lift this nation before God.”
Akpabio disclosed that the plight of kidnapped children resonated strongly with him because of his personal experience during the Nigerian Civil War, when he and his sister were separated from their mother for several days amid hostilities in Ikot Ekpene.
Recalling the traumatic episode, he said the experience gave him a glimpse of the anguish suffered by parents whose children were held in captivity.
“That is why 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.
The senate president attributed the country’s democratic stability, partly, to prayers and divine intervention.
He paid tribute to religious leaders and the Church for their role during the country’s struggle for democratic governance, recalling that Nigeria Prays Movement helped sustain hope during the years of political uncertainty.
According to him, democracy’s legitimacy rests not only on periodic elections but also on its ability to improve the lives of ordinary citizens through accountable and people-centred governance.
Akpabio acknowledged the economic hardship being experienced by many Nigerians, stating that President Bola Tinubu has directed that this year’s Democracy Day celebration be observed in a low-key manner in recognition of the challenges facing citizens.
He urged Nigerians to remain patient with ongoing reforms, expressing optimism that the sacrifices being made would ultimately yield positive outcomes.
Addressing young Nigerians, the senate president called for greater participation in the democratic process. He urged young people not to abandon the political space, but to engage actively in shaping the country’s future.
Akpabio stated, “We hear you. Your concerns are real. Your aspirations are legitimate. Your desire for a better nation is justified.
“Nigeria does not need your withdrawal. She needs your participation, your ideas, your creativity, your courage, your enterprise and your faith in the possibility of national renewal.”
Akpabio also cautioned against divisive politics, insisting that Nigeria’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths.
He urged political leaders and citizens alike to promote national unity and work towards a common destiny, saying no part of the country can prosper in isolation from the others.
Celebrating 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, Akpabio called for continued prayers for Tinubu, National Assembly, the judiciary, the armed forces, and other public institutions.
He expressed confidence that Nigeria would overcome its current challenges and achieve greater democratic progress.
