Senate President Godswill Akpabio has declared that Nigeria cannot be considered a truly free nation as long as any of its citizens remain in captivity.
Speaking on the ongoing security challenges facing the country, the Senate leader emphasised that no political or electoral gain is valuable enough to justify the suffering of a Nigerian life. He called for the immediate and successful rescue of all individuals currently being held by criminal elements.
The Senate President’s remarks, which stated that no electoral prize is worth a Nigerian life, reflect growing pressure on the government to address the kidnapping epidemic that has plagued various regions of the country.
The impact of kidnapping on national stability
The persistent wave of kidnappings and banditry has become a major socio-economic burden for the country. Beyond the direct trauma inflicted on victims and their families, the phenomenon has disrupted essential activities, including schooling and farming, as citizens avoid certain routes and rural areas due to the fear of abduction.
Security experts have noted that kidnapping has evolved from opportunistic crime into a highly structured and lucrative industry for criminal syndicates. Akpabio’s stance suggests a shift in the legislative focus toward demanding more decisive action from the security agencies to dismantle these networks and prioritise human life over political considerations.
While the federal government has deployed numerous military and police operations to combat banditry and insurgency, the frequent reports of new abductions suggest that the current security architecture requires more robust coordination. The Senate, under Akpabio’s leadership, holds the responsibility of overseeing security funding and the legislative frameworks that empower the nation’s defence forces.
The call for the rescue of all captives now puts additional pressure on the executive branch and security leadership to provide updates on ongoing tactical operations. The government has yet to issue a specific response to the Senate President’s latest demand for the liberation of all held Nigerians.
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