Akpabio: Kidnappers, Terrorists Target Nigeria, Not Political Parties

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has cautioned politicians and commentators against exploiting Nigeria's security challenges for political gain, emphasizing that insecurity should be addressed as a national emergency rather than a partisan concern. Akpabio asserted that criminals, including terrorists and kidnappers, target Nigeria and its people, not specific political parties.

He further directed the Senate leadership to swiftly finalize arrangements for a proposed national security summit. This directive comes as lawmakers seek to strengthen the country's security architecture in response to escalating concerns over violent crimes and kidnappings. Akpabio's remarks were made upon the Senate's resumption of plenary following a recess.

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The abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State is not merely an attack on innocent citizens; it is an assault on our collective humanity.

The upper chamber observed a minute of silence to honor the victims of a recent school abduction in Oyo State, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of two educators and a child. Akpabio described the tragedy as an assault on the nation's collective humanity, underscoring the urgent need for national unity and coordinated action against insecurity.

"There is always a temptation to divide, to accuse and to seek advantage from tragedy," Akpabio stated, adding that "there is no country in the world without challenges and there is no country without crime." He stressed that security agencies are established to combat crime and affirmed the government's determination to fight these elements. Akpabio warned political actors against using national tragedies as platforms for political mobilization or publicity, reiterating that criminals do not discriminate.

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There is always a temptation to divide, to accuse and to seek advantage from tragedy. There is no country in the world without challenges and there is no country without crime.