‘Even America Records Crime Daily, We’re Trying’ — Akpabio Downplays Insecurity After Kidnap of 25 Schoolgirls

• Senate President Godswill Akpabio has come under fire after remarks during plenary suggesting that Nigerians should not despair over the killing of a military officer and the abduction of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi, arguing that crime exists “even in America.”

Senate President Godswill Akpabio faced intense criticism on Tuesday after making comments that appeared to trivialize the abduction of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the killing of Brigadier-General Uba Musa in Borno State.

Akpabio made the remarks while presiding over plenary during a heated debate on Nigeria’s worsening insecurity. As senators attempted to agree on resolutions, the Senate President shifted attention to the country’s size and the strain on security agencies — comments many interpreted as an attempt to justify the rising wave of nationwide attacks.

“We sympathise deeply with the families affected, but we must remember that Nigeria is a very large country,” Akpabio said.

“It is not even possible to deploy one policeman to each polling unit during elections. Our security agencies are overstretched and find themselves in places they shouldn’t ordinarily be,” he added.

He went further, insisting that no society in the world is free of crime.

“There is no society without crime. Even the almighty America records crime every day. But we must continue to do our best to minimise it,” Akpabio told lawmakers.

The remarks have triggered backlash from civil society organisations, parents of abducted students, and even some senators, who say Akpabio appeared to normalise a crisis that has escalated into a national emergency.

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The criticism comes as details emerge about Monday’s dawn attack on Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State. Armed bandits invaded the school around 4:00 a.m., engaging police officers in a fierce gun duel. Despite resistance, the attackers scaled the school fence and abducted at least 25 students.

Kebbi State Police spokesperson, CSP Nafi’u Abubakar Kotarkoshi, confirmed that one staff member, Hassan Makuku, was killed, while another, Ali Shehu, suffered gunshot injuries.

Following the attack, Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, Bello Muhammad Sani, deployed additional tactical units, military personnel, and local vigilantes to the community.

The families of the abducted girls continue to await firm action and direct communication from federal authorities — a silence that has fueled nationwide anger and criticism of the government’s response.