Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday said no country in the world is completely free of crime, as he urged Nigerians not to lose hope amid rising insecurity in different parts of the country. He made the remark during a tense Senate session that focused on two major attacks recorded within 24 hours in Kebbi and Borno states.
The Senate had gathered to discuss the killing of Brigadier-General Uba Musa by suspected terrorists in Borno State and the abduction of 25 schoolgirls at Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State. During the Kebbi attack, gunmen also killed the school’s vice principal, Hassan Yakubu Makuku, and injured several others.
As lawmakers expressed frustration over repeated killings and kidnappings across the country, Akpabio cautioned against believing that insecurity is unique to Nigeria. He argued that even developed nations struggle with violent crime despite their strong institutions and advanced security systems.
“There is no society without crime,” he said. “Even the almighty America records crime on a daily basis. But we must continue to do our best to minimize it.”
Tuesday’s plenary was marked by strong emotions as senators highlighted the growing fear among citizens. Many lawmakers described the killing of Brigadier-General Musa—a senior military officer—and the abduction of schoolchildren as a troubling sign that insecurity remains a major threat.
Senators from northern states, especially the North-East and North-West, expressed concern that rural communities have become easy targets for terrorists and bandits. They noted that many attacks now occur with little or no resistance because security agencies lack adequate manpower, equipment, and funding.
Lawmakers also complained that the killing of high-ranking officers like Musa shows increasing boldness on the part of armed groups. They argued that if a General can be ambushed and killed in the line of duty, ordinary citizens living in remote villages face even greater risk.
Responding to the contributions, Senate President Akpabio urged lawmakers to remain balanced in their comments. He warned that while insecurity is concerning, the country must not fall into despair or lose confidence in the efforts of security forces.
“We sympathize deeply with the families affected, but we must remember that Nigeria is a very large country,” he said. “It is not even possible to deploy one policeman to each polling unit during elections. Our security agencies are overstretched and find themselves in places they shouldn’t ordinarily be.”
Akpabio added that the size of Nigeria—its land mass, population, and large rural areas—makes the work of security agencies extremely difficult. He stressed that despite the challenges, law enforcement officers continue to work under pressure to secure the country.
The Senate debate followed two major attacks that shocked the country. On Sunday night, gunmen stormed a girls’ secondary school in Maga, Kebbi State, shooting indiscriminately before abducting 25 female students. The raid was part of a disturbing trend of school kidnappings in Nigeria, especially in the North-West, where banditry has grown over the past five years.
The attack brought back painful memories of the Chibok abduction in 2014 and several similar incidents in Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, and Niger states. Many Nigerians have accused the government of failing to protect children in rural schools, despite repeated promises to improve security.
Within hours of the Kebbi attack, news broke that Brigadier-General Uba Musa, a senior officer of the Nigerian Army, had been killed in Borno State during an operation against insurgents. His death drew widespread sympathy and renewed questions about the safety of security personnel battling terrorists in the North-East.
The killing of a high-ranking military officer and the abduction of schoolgirls within a single day intensified national anxiety and triggered the Senate debate.
In his remarks, Akpabio attempted to put Nigeria’s situation in a global context. He noted that even countries with advanced technology and strong policing structures face their own security challenges.
For example, the United States records thousands of gun-related deaths every year, while countries in Europe continue to battle terrorism and organised crime. Akpabio said these examples show that crime is a global problem, not a uniquely Nigerian issue.
However, he agreed that Nigeria must continue to work harder to reduce crime, protect citizens, and support security agencies with the tools they need.
Despite Akpabio’s calming tone, many senators insisted that the government must respond more aggressively to rising insecurity. Lawmakers asked the Federal Government to increase funding for the military and police, recruit more personnel, and deploy modern equipment that can track terrorists and bandits in difficult terrains.
They also urged state governments to support local vigilante groups, improve intelligence gathering, and strengthen coordination between security agencies.
Some senators further argued that until poverty, unemployment, and lack of education are addressed, insecurity may continue to rise.
For many Nigerians, the Senate debate reflects growing worry about safety in the country. Attacks on schools, farms, highways, and military personnel continue to affect daily life in several states. Many families in rural communities have been displaced, abandoning their farmlands due to fear of attacks.
Parents in Kebbi, Zamfara, Kaduna, and Niger states have repeatedly complained that schools remain unsafe, with some children staying at home because of fear of kidnappers.
As the Senate ended its debate, Akpabio urged lawmakers to remain united in finding solutions to insecurity. He encouraged them to support government policies that strengthen security while avoiding statements that could worsen public fear.
“We must continue to do our best,” he said. “Nigeria will overcome these challenges, and we must work together to make our country safe for all.”
