Akpabio urges security agencies to intensify efforts to free captives

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue Nigerians still held in captivity and protect vulnerable communities across the country. Akpabio made the call on Tuesday in his welcome address as senators resumed plenary after more than two months of recess. He said Nigeria could not regard itself as completely free while any citizen remained in captivity.

He called for renewed efforts to secure the release of captives and pledged that the Senate would use legislation, appropriations and oversight to determine what more could be done to end attacks on communities. Akpabio also appealed for peaceful political engagement ahead of the next electoral cycle. He urged politicians to pursue their ambitions without setting communities, religious groups or regions against one another.

The Senate president said candidates should be able to present their programmes and answer difficult questions, while citizens should be free to choose without violence or intimidation. He warned that no political victory justified the loss of life or serious harm to the country. He further urged senators to maintain decorum and continue their legislative responsibilities despite the start of political activity.

Lawmakers from different parties, regions and ideological positions, he said, should disagree where necessary but do so with dignity and respect for national unity. Akpabio assured the Senate that it would remain at work until the end of its mandate, notwithstanding the political campaigns. The source material did not identify the number or location of Nigerians currently held captive.