'Continue Praying So Terror Sponsors Will Be Exposed'

‘Continue Praying So Terror Sponsors Will Be Exposed’ – Akpabio Tells Nigerians
Senate President says prayers can help expose criminal sponsors.
Government vows to restore peace and rescue captives nationwide.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has urged Nigerians not to lose hope despite the security challenges facing the country, stressing that sustained prayers remain crucial in the fight against terrorism, kidnapping and other forms of criminality.

Akpabio said he was inspired to introduce monthly prayer sessions during his tenure as governor of Akwa Ibom State to confront rising cases of militancy, kidnappings and killings.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Senate President made the remarks on Sunday at 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 to reflect on Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule.

Reflecting on his experience as governor, Akpabio said prayer played a significant role in addressing security concerns in Akwa Ibom State during his administration.

“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?

“Today I want you to ask the same question, the things happening around us, what if we were not praying. We must continue praying so that the evil doers and their sponsors shall be exposed in Jesus Name.

“If they are in government, they shall be exposed. If they are outside government, they shall be exposed in Jesus Name. Those sponsoring it, whether it is politically motivated or not, may they never have peace until they are defeated.”

Akpabio acknowledged the pain and suffering caused by insecurity across the country, particularly the growing incidents of kidnappings and violent attacks on communities.

He noted that despite the numerous challenges Nigeria has faced over the years, the country has continued to demonstrate resilience.

“We have survived political upheavals, 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.

“But gratitude must never blind us to reality. President Bola Tinubu has directed that this year’s Democracy Day be observed in a low-key manner because of the current 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 former Akwa Ibom governor spoke emotionally about the plight of victims of abduction, saying the pain experienced by affected families is immeasurable.

“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.

“I know something of that anguish. Yet what I experienced as a child cannot be compared with the horror, humiliation, cruelty and unspeakable ordeal these innocent children have endured since their abduction.

“It is a tragedy that wounds the conscience of our nation. But I assure you, there is a brighter tomorrow. The evil you see today, you shall soon see no more.”

Akpabio assured Nigerians that the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains committed to defeating insecurity, restoring peace across the country and securing the release of all persons held in captivity.

“We shall continue to act together, pray together, and continue to persevere until our children are safely returned and our nation is secure,” he added.

'Continue Praying Akpabio Tells Nigerians — ‘Continue Praying Akpabio Tells Nigerians

Also speaking at the service, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said the Federal Government was intensifying efforts to address economic hardship while strengthening security operations aimed at defeating criminal elements and ensuring the release of abducted persons nationwide.