The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins, has expressed grave concerns over the escalating security crisis in Nigeria, calling for urgent action to address the threats posed by terrorists and their sponsors. In a recent statement, he highlighted the alarming rise in incidents of kidnappings, particularly those involving students, which he likened to the notorious abduction of the Chibok girls in 2014.
Archbishop Martins pointed to the recent killing of General Muhammad Uba and an attack on worshippers in Kwara State as stark indicators of the deteriorating security situation. He questioned the safety of ordinary citizens in light of such brazen attacks, emphasizing the need for enhanced protection measures.
He noted the troubling trend of increased terrorist activities across the nation and suggested that some groups may be intentionally seeking to destabilize the country. The Archbishop recounted a particularly distressing incident involving the kidnapping of schoolgirls, where gunmen infiltrated a school, resulting in the tragic death of a school official and the abduction of students aged 12 to 17.
While he expressed relief that one student managed to escape, he voiced deep concern for the safety of the remaining 24 girls still in captivity. Archbishop Martins’ remarks underscore the urgent need for concerted efforts to restore security and protect the lives of citizens in Nigeria.
