From Cyriacus Nnaji, Lagos
Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, His Grace, The Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, has urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to battle headlong, the insecurity ravaging the nation.
His Grace made the call at the triple celebration of 90the Birthday, 60th Priestly Ordination and 55th Episcopal Ordination of His Eminence, Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie, Emeritus Archbishop of Lagos, which took place at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos Island, Lagos, on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
The Archbishop who lamented the excruciating pains Nigerians are daily going through in the hands of kidnappers, bandits and terrorists, appealed to government at all levels to up their games in the fight against insecurity as a birthday gift to the nonagenarian.
He said those who have the responsibility of leading Nigerians at all levels should double their efforts and address insecurity so that Nigerians can live in peace and also sleep with their two eyes closed as well as walk the streets without fear or anguish.
The Archbishop who was visibly worried with the activities of terrorists, bandits and kidnappers, noted that insecurity is one problem that breaks the heart of every Nigerian.
Archbishop Martins said, “As we wake up every day, we hear news of Boko Haram; bandits and all sorts of criminal elements all over the country.
“As Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, we have often pointed out the directions that need to be followed in dealing with the problems and difficulties of our country,” Martins disclosed.
The Archbishop went on to say, “Collectively as a conference and individually at different fora and on different occasions, we have brought to attention when we had private audiences with our president these challenges and always he explained to us what the government is doing to overcome the problems, however, the problems still persist in spite of different kinds of successes.
“We hear of people being kidnapped by so-called bandits, and uncommon criminals. We hear of soldiers been ambushed and killed among them Generals, slaughtered, people being displaced from their homes including traditional rulers for fear of attacks. We even hear now that the bandits delivered the body of Army General who died in their custody for the families to bury. We still wait for those who received the body to know who they are. We hear of ridiculous demands made by the bandits. It is becoming more difficult to understand what is going on in our country,” Martins said.
He appealed the Federal Government to empower all security agencies including the Police so that they can face the risks associated with their profession, stressing that everyone is tired and for that reason, the government at all levels and security agencies should do more and give “our Eminence the gift of a birthday celebration that is worthy of a man who has done so much to impact lives.”
Archbishop Martins also called on Nigerians to continue to pray for those in authority, especially those who have the responsibility of securing lives and property, adding that prayer answers so many things.
Among those who brought their goodwill messages including 48 Bishops, were His Holiness, Pope Leo 14th which was read by Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Michael Francis Crotty; Archbishop of Benin, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze; and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Also in attendance were the former Governor of Anambra State and Presidential candidate of NDC, Mr Peter Obi; Vice Presidential candidate of the ADC, Rotimi Amaechi, among other dignitaries.
