Akpabio: I Travelled to Rome to Pray Against Insecurity, Terrorism and Banditry in Nigeria

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has disclosed that he travelled to Rome, Italy, on a spiritual pilgrimage to pray for Nigeria and seek divine intervention against insecurity, terrorism and banditry. Godswill made the disclosure while speaking about his visit to the prayer ground of St Padre Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy.

The Senate President said his prayers were not limited to himself, but also included President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, members of the National Assembly, the Federal Executive Council and Nigerians generally. He described the trip as a spiritual journey undertaken to seek God’s protection and intervention for the country.

Akpabio Says Rome Trip Was a Spiritual Mission

Akpabio explained that he visited Rome because of its significance to Christianity and said he proceeded to the St Padre Pio shrine to offer prayers and supplications. He said his prayers specifically included a request for God to free Nigeria from insecurity, banditry and terrorism.

The Senate President also said he prayed for Nigeria’s leaders and the country as a whole. According to him, his decision was rooted in his Christian belief that human efforts to protect a nation require divine protection, citing the biblical principle that unless God protects the house, the watchmen’s efforts are in vain.

Akpabio Prays for Nigeria’s Security

Akpabio’s comments come as insecurity, terrorism, kidnapping and banditry continue to feature prominently in Nigeria’s national security concerns. He said his prayers were specifically directed against these threats and expressed his desire to see Nigerians experience greater peace and security.

The Senate President also disclosed that prayers were offered for peaceful elections in Nigeria in 2027. He described the visit as a short pilgrimage and said the delegation sought blessings for themselves, their families and the country.

Akpabio Links His Faith to Padre Pio

Akpabio said his connection to St Padre Pio is also personal, explaining that the latest visit was his tenth to the shrine. He linked his devotion to Padre Pio to the recovery of his wife, Unoma, after she spent several months in a coma, which he described as an experience that strengthened his faith in divine intervention.

For OGM News NG, Godswill’s Rome pilgrimage has placed faith and Nigeria’s security crisis in the same conversation. While the Senate President has presented his journey as a personal expression of Christian faith and a prayer for national protection, his remarks have also generated public discussion about the role of spiritual intervention alongside the practical responsibilities of government in tackling insecurity.