President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called on Nigerians not to lose hope in the face of the country’s security challenges, insisting that those sponsoring terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes will eventually be exposed.
Akpabio made the call 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 service, themed “God of Hope, Actualise Our Dreams,” brought together senior government officials, religious leaders and worshippers who gathered to pray for the nation and reflect on Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Speaking during the service, the Senate President urged Nigerians to continue praying for the country, saying prayer remains a powerful tool in confronting insecurity and other national challenges.
According to a statement issued by his media office in Abuja, Akpabio said his experience as governor of Akwa Ibom State convinced him of the importance of prayer in addressing security threats.
He recalled that about 19 years ago, when he served as governor, his administration introduced monthly prayer sessions in response to growing cases of militancy, kidnapping and killings in the state.
“When I had the opportunity to serve as governor about 19 years ago, I started monthly prayer. I used to ask myself a question whenever there was militancy, kidnapping and killing. I would say, what if we were not praying?” he said.
Drawing a comparison with the current security situation in Nigeria, Akpabio urged citizens to ask themselves the same question and remain steadfast in faith despite the challenges facing the nation.
He prayed that those behind acts of violence and criminality would be exposed regardless of their social or political status.
“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 it, whether it is politically motivated or not, may they never have peace until they are defeated,” he said.
His remarks come at a time when Nigeria continues to battle several security threats, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, communal clashes and attacks on communities in different parts of the country.
For years, security has remained one of the most pressing concerns for many Nigerians. Several communities, especially in parts of the North-East, North-West and North-Central regions, have experienced repeated attacks by terrorists and armed groups. Cases of abduction of schoolchildren, travellers and residents have also generated widespread concern.
Acknowledging the difficult situation, Akpabio said Nigeria has faced many crises in the past but has always emerged stronger.
According to him, the country’s democratic journey remains a symbol of resilience and endurance despite political and economic difficulties over the years.
“We have survived political upheavals and economic turbulence. We will survive insurgencies. We have survived pandemics like Ebola and COVID-19 and seasons of despotism. Yet here we stand. Twenty-seven years of democratic governance, twenty-seven years of constitutional order and hope renewed,” he said.
Nigeria returned to democratic rule on May 29, 1999, after years of military rule. Since then, the country has maintained uninterrupted democratic governance, making it one of the longest democratic periods in its history.
However, Akpabio said Nigerians must not ignore the reality of the challenges facing the nation.
He noted that President Bola Tinubu directed that this year’s Democracy Day activities be observed in a modest manner because of the prevailing situation in 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. Families mourn loved ones lost to violence and criminality,” he said.
The Senate President also spoke emotionally about the suffering experienced by victims of insecurity, especially children who have been abducted and families waiting anxiously for their safe return.
He said the pain of insecurity is personal to him because he experienced the effects of conflict during the Nigerian Civil War as a child.
According to him, the agony faced by families whose loved ones are kidnapped is difficult to imagine.
“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.
Akpabio added that while he understood the pain caused by conflict, the suffering of abducted children and other victims of insecurity represented a deeper tragedy that continues to challenge the conscience of the nation.
Despite the difficulties, he expressed confidence that Nigeria would overcome its security problems and eventually enjoy lasting peace.
“There is a brighter tomorrow. The evil you see today, you shall soon see no more,” he assured.
The Senate President further pledged that the administration of President Tinubu would continue to work towards restoring security across the country and securing the release of all persons still being held by kidnappers and other criminal groups.
“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.
Also speaking during the church service, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said the Federal Government was intensifying efforts to address both insecurity and economic hardship affecting citizens.
Akume said government agencies were working to strengthen security operations across the country while also pursuing measures aimed at improving living conditions for Nigerians.
He assured citizens that efforts were ongoing to secure the freedom of abducted persons and bring an end to violent attacks in different parts of the country.
The Democracy Day church service formed part of activities organised to commemorate Nigeria’s democratic journey and to offer prayers for peace, unity and progress.
As the country marks 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule, government officials used the occasion to urge Nigerians to remain hopeful and united despite the challenges confronting the nation.