The Senate was thrown into mourning on Tuesday as the upper chamber observed a minute of silence in honour of two children of the Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, who died within a span of 48 hours.

Presiding over the plenary, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio—visibly emotional—announced the deeply tragic loss suffered by Senator Moro, who represents Benue South Senatorial District.

According to him, the senator lost his 28-year-old son—who had only recently graduated from university—in a fatal motor accident, alongside a nephew. In a separate, equally devastating incident, the senator also lost his granddaughter under tragic circumstances.

While Senator Moro did not formally request that the Senate deliberate on the matter, the Senate President emphasized the need to acknowledge the grief of one of their own.

“Distinguished colleagues, we have unfortunate news. Our Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, lost two of his children within 48 hours. His son, who had just graduated, died in a motor accident a few days ago. His nephew and granddaughter also passed away under very tragic circumstances,” he said.

“Though he has not mandated us to discuss this, I felt that, being part and parcel of this hallowed chamber, we should at least observe a one-minute silence for these young Nigerians who died in their prime.”

Following the moment of silence, the Senate President further disclosed that arrangements had been made for Senators to pay a condolence visit to Senator Moro’s residence, noting that buses were waiting outside the National Assembly complex to convey them.

The chamber was filled with a heavy silence as members processed the weight of the loss, with many offering silent prayers for the bereaved family.

Senator Moro, a former Minister of Interior, has served as a vocal and respected figure in the Senate.

His absence from Tuesday’s plenary was deeply felt, as colleagues expressed their solidarity and extended heartfelt condolences. (LEADERSHIP)