President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has warned that rising insecurity across Nigeria poses a serious threat to the country’s democratic gains, calling for stronger collaboration between citizens and security agencies to confront terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime.
Speaking at an inter-denominational church service held to mark the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, Akpabio said many communities remain under persistent attack, while farmers, travellers, and ordinary citizens continue to live in fear and uncertainty.
He described the abduction of innocent citizens, particularly children, as a national tragedy that has deeply wounded the country’s conscience.
Akpabio said the government remains committed to securing the release of all those in captivity and restoring peace across affected communities.
“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,” he said.
The Senate President stressed that the fight against insecurity cannot be left to government alone, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and support security agencies with useful information.
He called on communities to take shared responsibility in tackling criminality.
“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,” he stated.
Akpabio also disclosed that the plight of kidnapped children resonates deeply with him due to 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.
He said the experience gave him a personal understanding of the anguish faced by parents whose children are 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 Nigeria’s democratic stability partly to prayers and divine intervention, while paying tribute to religious leaders for their role in sustaining democratic hopes during past political crises, including the Nigerian Prays Movement.
He noted that democracy must be measured not only by elections but by its ability to improve the lives of citizens through accountable governance.
Akpabio acknowledged ongoing economic hardship in the country, adding that President Bola Tinubu had directed that this year’s Democracy Day be observed in a low-key manner due to prevailing challenges.
He urged Nigerians to remain patient with ongoing reforms, expressing optimism that present sacrifices would yield long-term benefits.
Addressing young Nigerians, Akpabio encouraged greater participation in politics and national development, warning against disengagement from the democratic process.
“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,” he said.
He also cautioned against divisive politics, stressing that Nigeria’s diversity remains a major national strength that must be preserved through unity and cooperation.
Marking 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, Akpabio called for continued prayers for President Tinubu, the National Assembly, the judiciary, the armed forces, and other public institutions.
He expressed confidence that Nigeria would overcome its current security and economic challenges and achieve greater democratic stability.
