President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called on Nigerians to remain hopeful and steadfast in prayer, saying those behind terrorism and insecurity in the country must be exposed.
Akpabio made the appeal on Sunday during an Inter-Denominational Church Service held at the National Christian Centre in Abuja as part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.
The event, themed “God of Hope, Actualise Our Dreams,” brought together government officials, religious leaders and worshippers to reflect on Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule.
According to a statement issued by his media office, the Senate President said prayer played a significant role in addressing kidnapping, militancy and violent crimes during his tenure as governor of Akwa Ibom State.
Reflecting on his time in office, Akpabio recalled introducing a monthly prayer programme to confront growing security challenges in the state.
“When I had the opportunity to serve as governor about 19 years ago, I started monthly prayer. Whenever there was militancy, kidnapping and killing, I would ask myself: what if we were not praying?” he said.
He urged Nigerians to continue seeking divine intervention, expressing confidence that those responsible for sponsoring violence would eventually be uncovered.
“We must continue praying so that the evil doers and their sponsors shall be exposed. If they are in government, they shall be exposed. If they are outside government, they shall be exposed. Those sponsoring insecurity, whether politically motivated or not, may they never have peace until they are defeated,” he stated.
Akpabio acknowledged the pain and suffering caused by insecurity across the country, particularly kidnappings, attacks on communities and the disruption of livelihoods.
Despite the challenges, he said Nigeria’s democratic journey remained a story of resilience and survival.
“We have survived political upheavals, economic turbulence, pandemics like Ebola and COVID-19, insurgencies and seasons of despotism. Yet here we stand—27 years of democratic governance, constitutional order and renewed hope,” he said.
The Senate President noted that President Bola Tinubu had directed that this year’s Democracy Day celebration be observed in a modest manner in recognition of the security challenges facing the country.
“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, and families continue to mourn loved ones lost to violence and criminality,” he added.
Speaking emotionally about the plight of kidnapping victims and their families, Akpabio said he understood the anguish caused by insecurity, recalling his experiences during the Nigerian civil war.
“My heart breaks for every child in captivity and every parent who lies awake through the night not knowing whether a son or daughter is safe, hungry, frightened or even alive,” he said.
While describing the suffering of abducted persons as a national tragedy, he expressed optimism that the country would overcome its current challenges.
“The evil you see today, you shall soon see no more,” he declared.
Akpabio also assured Nigerians that the Tinubu administration remained committed to tackling insecurity, restoring peace and securing the release of all persons held in captivity across the country.
“We shall continue to act together, pray together and persevere until our children are safely returned and our nation is secure,” he said.
Also speaking at the service, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said the Federal Government was intensifying efforts to address economic hardship, improve security and secure the freedom of abducted citizens nationwide.
