The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins, has issued a dire warning, stating that Nigeria is "descending into chaos" and called for more urgent and decisive official measures to curb the alarming rate of insecurity across the country, reports ITREALMS.
The Archbishop specifically lamented the brazen audacity of the recent abductions. He referenced the predawn attack on Monday, November 17, 2025, at the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 schoolgirls were violently abducted from their dormitory.
He highlighted the brutal murder of a staff member, the school's Vice Principal and Chief Security Officer, Hassan Yakubu Makuku, who was shot at his residence on the school premises. A similar attack was also condemned at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State on Friday, November 21, 2025, where students were also taken.
Furthermore, he condemned the kidnapping of Catholic priest, Father Bobbo Paschal, from St. Stephen Catholic Church in Kushe Gudgu, Kaduna State, noting the tragic death of Gideon Markus, the brother of another local priest, who was killed while trying to intervene. Archbishop Martins stated these incidents are "regrettably reminiscent of the abduction of the Chibok girls in April 2014, which still stirs the nation to the core," demonstrating the "brazen audacity" of those seeking to terrorize the nation.
"It is sad that these children, aged approximately 12 to 17, were seized under the cover of darkness by gunmen," he noted, adding, "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,” he said.
The Archbishop used the rising death toll, even among security personnel, to underscore the gravity of the crisis for the average citizen. He cited the recent killing of a serving General in the army, Muhammad Uba, and the gruesome attack on worshippers at a Church in Eruku, Kwara State, as further proof that "more needs to be done to secure the lives and properties of our citizens wherever they may be living."
“If the terrorists can kill a whole serving army general in such a brazen manner, I wonder how secure the average citizens of this country are? It truly shows that there are reasons for everyone to be concerned about their security,” the cleric asserted.
Archbishop Martins warned that time was ticking fast for the government to act decisively and restore public confidence. While acknowledging the military's assurances of readiness, he questioned why they "continue to appear powerless in the face of the incessant attacks."
He therefore tasked the Tinubu-led administration to, as a matter of constitutional duty, "bring home all those who are in the hands of these brazen terrorists."
He concluded by urging the entire political class to unite and support security agencies, insisting that "no stone should be left unturned to bring the culprits and their sponsors to justice."
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