Abductions: Akpabio calls for unity of purpose to defeat banditry

By Haruna Salami

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called for unity of purpose among Nigerians to defeat banditry, declaring that those who terrorise communities do not distinguish between party, faith or ethnicity.
Akpabio made the call in his welcome address delivered on resumption from the Sallah recess at plenary on Tuesday.
Akpabio, who was reacting to the abuductions said Senate resume plenary under the mournful shadow of a tragedy that has shaken the nation.
He said the abductions of school children and teachers in Oyo was not merely an attack on innocent citizens, but an assault on the collective humanity of the nation.
“We mourn because if we cannot protect our children we imperil our future,we mourn because a nation that cannot guarantee the safety of its teachers weakens the very foundations upon which education rests.
“ And we mourn because, for as long as those children remain in captivity, our nation remains captive with them, today, we grieve the loss of two dedicated educators.
“Mr. Michael Oyedokun, who died in captivity, and Mr. Adesiyan Adegboye, who lost his life during the attack.
“We also mourn the child whose life was cut short before its promise could be fulfilled we share the pain of the bereaved families,their loss is our loss,”Akpabio said.
“Their sorrow is our sorrow,their pain is our pain.yet even in the midst of grief.
He expressed hope that through the determined efforts of the government and security agencies, those still in captivity would be safely rescued and reunited with their loved ones.
Akpabio,after senate observe a minute silence in honour of the victims also unbehalf of Senate condoled the bereaved families,the affected school community, and the Government and people of Oyo.
“At moments such as these, there is a temptation to divide, to accuse, and to seek advantage from tragedy.
“Politicians and aspirants must resist that temptation for such cheap publicity, those who kidnap our children, terrorise our communities, and murder innocent citizens do not distinguish between party, faith, or ethnicity.
“ Their assault is directed against Nigeria itself, therefore, our response must be equal to the challenge. We must stand united, firm, and resolute.