Archbishop Adewale to Tinubu: Nigeria in chaos, urges release of abducted Kebbi schoolgirls

By Olayinka Latona

The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, has called on the Federal Government to take urgent measures to address the escalating insecurity across Nigeria.

In a statement signed by the Director of Social Communications for the Lagos Archdiocese, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu, Archbishop Martins warned that the country is being deliberately plunged into chaos due to a surge in terrorist attacks.

The cleric highlighted the recent abduction of 25 schoolgirls from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, on Monday, November 17, 2025. He described the attack as “reminiscent of the abduction of the Chibok girls which still stirs the nation to the core” and condemned the killing of the school’s Vice Principal and Chief Security Officer, Hassan Yakubu Makuku, who was shot during the incident.

“It is tragic that these children, aged approximately 12 to 17, were seized under the cover of darkness by gunmen who scaled the school fence, exchanged gunfire with police, and ultimately took these innocent daughters away into the forests,” he said. While noting that one student had escaped, he expressed deep concern for the safety of the remaining 24 girls in captivity.

Archbishop Martins also condemned the recent kidnapping of Catholic priest Father Bobbo Paschal from St. Stephen Catholic Church in Kushe Gudgu, Kaduna State, during which Gideon Markus, the brother of another priest, was killed. He further cited the killing of a serving army general, Muhammad Uba, and the attack on worshippers at a church in Eruku, Kwara State, as evidence of the nation’s worsening security situation.

“If terrorists can kill a serving army general in such a brazen manner, how secure are ordinary citizens? It is clear that every Nigerian has reason to fear for their safety,” Archbishop Martins questioned, noting that despite military assurances, security agencies often appear powerless in the face of ongoing attacks.

He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to act decisively, fulfill its constitutional duty, and bring all abducted individuals home. Archbishop Martins called on the political class to unite and support security agencies, emphasizing that “no stone should be left unturned to bring the culprits and their sponsors to justice” and restore citizens’ trust and confidence.

The post Archbishop Adewale to Tinubu: Nigeria in chaos, urges release of abducted Kebbi schoolgirls appeared first on Vanguard News.