Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called for the exposure of individuals he believes are behind terrorism, kidnappings, and violent attacks across Nigeria, insisting that accountability must cut across both public and private spheres.
He made the remarks on Sunday during an inter-denominational church service at the National Christian Centre in Abuja, held as part of activities marking Democracy Day. The service, themed *“God of Hope, Actualise our Dreams,”* drew senior government officials and worshippers reflecting on 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule.
In a statement released by his media office, Akpabio said insecurity remains a pressing concern and urged continued calls for those behind violent crimes to be identified.
“We must continue praying so that the evil doers and their sponsors shall be exposed in Jesus Name,” he said. “If they are in government, they shall be exposed. If they are outside government, they shall be exposed in Jesus Name. Those sponsoring it, whether it is politically motivated or not, may they never have peace until they are defeated.”
Akpabio described Nigeria’s security challenges as deeply affecting everyday life, pointing to fear in rural communities, disrupted farming activities, and rising uncertainty on roads.
“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.
He also referenced his time as governor of Akwa Ibom State, saying he introduced monthly prayer sessions in response to kidnappings and militancy at the time. According to him, the initiative emerged from sustained violence during that period.
“When I had the opportunity to serve as governor about 19 years ago, I started monthly prayer… I used to ask myself, what if we were not praying?” he said.
Akpabio acknowledged the emotional toll of abductions, especially on families of children in captivity. He said his personal reflections were shaped by his experience during the Nigerian Civil War.
“That is why my heart breaks for every child in captivity… It is a tragedy that wounds the conscience of our nation,” he said.
He added that the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains committed to addressing insecurity and restoring stability. He noted that the government continues to combine policy measures with efforts aimed at securing the release of abducted persons.
“We shall continue to act together, pray together, and continue to persevere until our children are safely returned and our nation is secure,” he said.
Akpabio also said Nigeria has endured political instability, economic shocks, insurgencies, and public health crises over the past decades, but stressed that these experiences should not obscure current security realities.
