The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins, has called on President Bola Tinubu and the federal government to take urgent action to address the escalating insecurity across Nigeria.
According to a statement issued by the Archbishop’s Director, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu, the call comes in the wake of a series of violent attacks, including the recent abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the kidnapping of a Catholic priest in Kaduna.
Archbishop Martins described the predawn abduction of 25 girls from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, on 17 November as a “chilling reminder of the Chibok girls’ abduction,” stressing that the attack highlights the urgent need for decisive action against terrorists and their sponsors.
According to him, the girls, aged between 12 and 17, were taken from their dormitory after gunmen scaled the school fence and exchanged fire with police.
The school’s vice principal and Chief Security Officer, Hassan Yakubu Makuku, was shot dead during the raid, while one student managed to escape, leaving 24 still in captivity.
“It is deeply concerning that innocent children could be seized under the cover of darkness in such a violent manner,” Archbishop Martins said. “One student has returned home, but the fate of the others remains a grave worry,” the statement by Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu added.
The Archbishop also condemned the kidnapping of Father Bobbo Paschal from St. Stephen Catholic Church in Kushe Gudgu, Kaduna State, during which Gideon Markus, the brother of another priest, was killed while trying to intervene.
“These attacks demonstrate the brazen audacity of those who seek to terrorize our nation,” he said, noting that recent violent incidents, including the killing of General Muhammad Uba and attacks on worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State, show that the security of ordinary citizens is increasingly under threat.
Archbishop Martins urged the Tinubu administration to act swiftly to bring home those held by terrorists, calling on political leaders to support security agencies fully in their efforts to restore safety and public confidence.
“Time is running out. Government at all levels must enforce their constitutional mandate to protect lives and properties. No stone should be left unturned to bring the culprits and their sponsors to justice,” he said.
