Chuks Okocha, Olawale Ajimotokan, Sunday Aborisade, Linus Aleke, Juliet Akoje, Kuni Tyessi in Abuja; Hammed Shittu in Ilorin; Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo; James Sowole in Abeokuta; Laleye Dipo in Minna; Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan; Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti; and Yemi Kosoko in Jos
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, yesterday cautioned politicians, aspirants, and public commentators against exploiting Nigeria’s security challenges for political gain, insisting that insecurity must be addressed as a national emergency rather than a partisan issue.
Akpabio stressed that criminal elements—terrorists, kidnappers, and bandits—target Nigeria and its citizens indiscriminately, not political parties, as sometimes suggested.
He also directed the Senate leadership to urgently conclude arrangements for the proposed national security summit, emphasising the need for lawmakers to intensify efforts to strengthen the country’s security architecture amid rising concerns over violent crimes and kidnappings.
The Senate President spoke at the resumption of plenary following the Sallah and political parties’ primary election recess.
His remarks came as the Senate observed a minute’s silence in honour of victims of the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, including two educators and a child who reportedly lost their lives.
Describing the incident as an assault on the nation’s collective humanity, Akpabio said the persistent targeting of schools and innocent citizens underscored the urgent need for unity and coordinated action.
“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,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to remain united in confronting criminal elements threatening national stability and public safety.
“There is always the temptation to divide, to accuse, and to seek advantage from tragedy. But no country is without challenges or crime. Security agencies exist to tackle these threats, and we are determined to support them in doing so,” he added.
Akpabio warned political actors against turning national tragedies into platforms for mobilisation or publicity, reiterating that criminals do not discriminate along political, religious, or ethnic lines.
“Their assault is directed against Nigeria itself. Therefore, our response must match the scale of the challenge. We must stand united, firm, and resolute,” he said.
He called on Nigerians to support lawful measures aimed at strengthening security, safeguarding schools and vulnerable communities, and ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice.
Expressing confidence in the resilience of Nigerians and the strength of national institutions, Akpabio said the country would overcome its security challenges.
“The challenge before us is real, but so too is the courage of our people, the resilience of our institutions, and the enduring promise of Nigeria,” he said.
Earlier, Akpabio led senators in mourning the victims of the Oyo incident, paying tribute to two teachers, Michael Oyedokun and Adesiyan Adegboye, as well as a child who lost his life. He described their deaths as a painful loss to both their families and the nation, stressing that the safety of children and educators must remain a top priority.
“We share the pain of the bereaved families. Their loss is our loss. Their sorrow is our sorrow,” he said.
He also expressed hope for the safe release of those still in captivity, commending security agencies and urging them to sustain rescue efforts and dismantle criminal networks.
The Senate President subsequently directed the Senate Leader and Clerk to fix a date for the long-awaited National Security Summit, noting that it should serve as a platform to review past resolutions, assess current strategies, and identify new measures to strengthen the nation’s security framework.
Makinde Calls for Unity, Meets Labour, Student Leaders
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, also called for collective action to address the country’s security challenges and secure the release of abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
He made the appeal while receiving leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), and National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), who staged a solidarity rally demanding the safe return of the victims.
Makinde described the incident as a national crisis and cautioned against politicising it or trading blame.
“This is a time of national distress. It is not the time for politics or blame. It is a time to come together,” he said.
He urged citizens to trust the government, assuring them that all available resources were being deployed to secure the victims’ release.
The governor emphasised ongoing collaboration between federal and state authorities, expressing optimism that the abducted children and teachers would return safely.
Atiku, Obi Fault Government Response
Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticised the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for attributing current security challenges to past administrations, describing the claim as revisionist.
Atiku argued that the present government must take responsibility for addressing insecurity rather than shifting blame.
Similarly, Peter Obi decried the worsening security situation, expressing concern over the continued captivity of abducted schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno states.
He criticised what he described as a growing disconnect between urgent security concerns and political focus on future elections.
Reps Demand Urgent Action, CAN Declares Mourning
The House of Representatives called for the immediate rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers, urging comprehensive reforms, including the establishment of state police.
Lawmakers described the situation in affected communities as dire, with families living in anguish and uncertainty.
In a related development, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) declared a three-day national mourning period from June 12 to June 14, designating the final day as “Black Sunday” across churches.
CAN also called on the federal government to declare a state of emergency on security and implement decisive measures to halt the wave of violence nationwide.
Growing Calls for Unified Response
Across the country, political leaders, labour unions, and civil society organisations have continued to stress the need for unity in tackling insecurity.
From warnings against misinformation in Ekiti to protests by teachers and labour unions nationwide, stakeholders have consistently emphasised that Nigeria’s security crisis demands a coordinated, non-partisan response anchored on national interest and collective responsibility.