Catholic Archbishop of Lagos Warns FG Against Treating Bandits with Kid Gloves

…Condemns abduction of Kebbi schoolgirls

The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins, has called on the Federal Government to urgently implement stronger and more decisive measures to address the escalating wave of insecurity across the country.

He expressed deep concern over the persistent terrorist attacks in several parts of Nigeria, noting that the rising cases of killings, kidnappings, and violent crimes underscore the urgent need for the government and security agencies to identify and decisively confront both the perpetrators and their sponsors.

Archbishop Martins condemned the predawn attack of Monday, 17 November 2025, at Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were abducted from their dormitory. He also decried the similar abduction at St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, on Friday, 21 November 2025. He described the incidents as painful reminders of the 2014 Chibok girls’ abduction, which remains a national scar.

In addition, he condemned the kidnapping of a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Bobbo Paschal, from St. Stephen Catholic Church in Kushe Gudgu, Kaduna State. During the attack, Gideon Markus — the brother of another priest — was killed while attempting to intervene. According to Archbishop Martins, the spate of attacks reflects “the brazen audacity of those determined to terrorize our nation.”

“It is deeply troubling that terrorist attacks have spiked across the country, especially since the threat issued by former U.S. President Donald Trump,” he said. “Some elements appear intent on plunging the nation into chaos. How does one explain the violent abduction of schoolgirls, the killing of staff, and the execution of the Vice Principal and Chief Security Officer, Hassan Yakubu Makuku, who was shot in his residence on the school premises? These children, aged 12 to 17, were snatched under the cover of darkness by armed men who scaled the school fence, exchanged gunfire with the police, and escaped with the girls into the forest. While we are relieved that one student has escaped, the fate of the remaining 24 remains a grave concern.”

The Archbishop also referenced the recent killing of General Muhammad Uba by terrorists, as well as the attack on worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State, describing both incidents as further evidence that the nation’s security architecture requires urgent strengthening.

“If terrorists can assassinate a serving Army General so brazenly, how safe is the average Nigerian?” he queried. “There is genuine cause for widespread concern.”

He stressed that time is running out for government at all levels to restore public confidence by fulfilling their constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property. While acknowledging the military’s assurances of readiness, he questioned the apparent inability of security forces to stem the attacks.

Archbishop Martins urged the Tinubu-led administration to prioritize the safe return of all Nigerians currently in captivity. He further called on the political class to close ranks and support security agencies in the fight against terrorists, insisting that no effort should be spared in bringing the perpetrators and their sponsors to justice.