The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins, has called on the Nigerian government and security agencies to take urgent and decisive action against the surge of terrorism, schoolgirl kidnappings, and violent attacks threatening Nigeria and West Africa.
Archbishop Martins condemned the recent abduction of 25 schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, and a similar attack on St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State. He warned that such kidnappings evoke the 2014 Chibok girls tragedy, which drew international attention.
He also decried the kidnapping of Father Bobbo Paschal from St. Stephen Catholic Church in Kushe Gudgu, Kaduna State, during which Gideon Markus, brother of another priest, was killed while trying to intervene. “These attacks demonstrate the audacity of those aiming to destabilize not only Nigeria but the wider West African region,” Archbishop Martins said.
Highlighting the broader security threat, the Archbishop cited the killing of Army General Muhammad Uba and violent attacks on church worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State, underscoring the vulnerability of citizens across the country.
“Such attacks show that if terrorists can strike so boldly within Nigeria, the safety of ordinary citizens across West Africa is also at risk,” he warned.
Archbishop Martins urged the Tinubu-led administration and regional security agencies to act swiftly to protect citizens, rescue hostages, and bring the perpetrators and sponsors of these terrorist acts to justice.
“These incidents are a reminder to the entire African continent that terrorism knows no borders,” he said.
