By Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh
The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, has sounded the alarm on Nigeria’s escalating insecurity, urging the federal government to take urgent action to address the rising tide of terrorist attacks and kidnappings across the country.
In a strongly-worded press statement, Archbishop Martins condemned the recent abduction of 25 schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, describing it as a “regrettable” reminder of the Chibok girls’ kidnapping that still haunts the nation. He also decried the kidnapping of a Catholic priest, Father Bobbo Paschal, and the killing of Gideon Markus, brother of a local priest, in Kaduna State.
“The festering terrorists’ attacks and mass killings of innocent Nigerians have further affirmed the need for the federal government and security agencies to identify and deal decisively with the terrorists and their sponsors,” Archbishop Martins said.
The prelate expressed concern over the brazen nature of the attacks, citing the killing of a serving army general, Muhammad Uba, and the attack on a church in Eruku, Kwara State. He questioned the security agencies’ ability to protect citizens, given the frequency and audacity of these attacks.
“We are heartened that one student has escaped and returned home, but we remain deeply troubled about the safety and well-being of the 24 who remain in captivity,” Archbishop Martins said, urging the Tinubu-led administration to fulfill its constitutional duty to bring the abducted girls home.
The Archbishop’s call has been echoed by other prominent Nigerians, including the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who have demanded the immediate release of the abducted girls.
The international community has also weighed in, with UNICEF condemning the attack and calling for the safe release of the girls.