The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred
Adewale Martins, has issued a strongly worded warning to the Federal
Government, urging immediate and decisive action to curb the escalating
insecurity across the country.
In a statement released on Saturday, Archbishop
Martins expressed deep concern over the surge in terrorist attacks in recent
weeks, describing the situation as evidence that “some elements are making
deliberate efforts to throw this nation into chaos.”
He referenced the attack on Government Girls
Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State—where 25 schoolgirls were
abducted—and the assault on St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Niger State,
where students were also kidnapped. According to the Archbishop, these
incidents painfully mirror the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction, a tragedy
that still lingers in the national consciousness.
The cleric also condemned the kidnapping of Father
Bobbo Paschal from St. Stephen Catholic Church in Kaduna State, and the killing
of Gideon Markus during the attack. He noted that these acts underscore the
“brazen audacity” of terrorists operating across the country.
Martins further lamented the killing of Major General
Muhammad Uba and the deadly assault on worshippers at a church in Eruku, Kwara
State. He questioned how ordinary citizens could feel safe when high-ranking
military officers are being targeted and killed.
“It is truly alarming,” he said. “If terrorists can
murder a serving army general, then ordinary Nigerians are even more
vulnerable.”
The Archbishop called on the Tinubu administration and
the nation’s security agencies to urgently restore public confidence by
fulfilling their constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and
property. He expressed concern that despite repeated assurances of military
readiness, the frequency and boldness of attacks continue to rise.
He urged the Federal Government to ensure the safe
return of all abducted citizens, especially the Kebbi schoolgirls, stressing
that time is “ticking fast” and that swift action is crucial.
Finally, he appealed to political leaders across party
lines to unite in supporting the security agencies to dismantle terrorist
networks and bring both perpetrators and sponsors to justice.
— Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu,
Director
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