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By Enyeribe Ejiogu
The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Reverend Alfred Adewale Martins, has expressed sorrow over the incessant and wanton killings of innocent citizens across the country, noting that the recent attack in Plateau State on Palm Sunday was heart-rending.
While offering words of comfort and consolation to bereaved families who lost their loved ones in the dastardly attack, the Archbishop berated the Government for its manifest and deepening failure to discharge the primary and constitutional responsibility of protecting the lives and property of the citizens.
In an Easter message signed by the Director of Communications of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Very Rev Fr Anthony Godonu, Archbishop Martins said: “On a sad note, my heart reaches out to the victims of the recent terrorist attacks that occurred in Angwan Rukuba in the city of Jos on Palm Sunday and claimed the lives of over 27 innocent Nigerians. It is very disheartening that the perpetrators of this dastardly act chose to do so on a day that is sacred to followers of Christ.
“It is also unfortunate that the government has consistently abdicated its responsibility for securing the lives and properties of Nigerians; it has failed woefully to put an end to the lingering cases of insecurity across the country, despite its numerous assurances. This only points to the need for Nigerians to be alert at all times and be prepared to protect themselves and their loved ones from attacks by these bandits who prey on the vulnerability of the helpless citizens.
“While we condemn in very strict terms these persistent killings of innocent Nigerians, we once again call on the government at all levels to prioritise human lives over politics. There is no justification for these unwarranted attacks, despite the enormous funds allocated to security and the endless unfulfilled promises we receive daily.
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“The policies formulated and the actions taken by those in power should place the welfare, security, and dignity of every Nigerian above partisan interests, political calculations, or personal ambition.
“We cannot afford to have political manoeuvring delay the delivery of essential security, stall economic relief, or undermine the unity of our nation. The blood of our citizens, the tears of our mothers, and the hunger of our children are not political tools; they are a sacred call to action. The recent hike in the cost of petroleum and diesel to an all-time high, despite our being a major producer of the same, points to the fact that we have failed in placing our economic priorities right, thereby causing more hardship on hapless citizens
“I, therefore, call on our leaders at all levels to demonstrate the spirit of sacrificial leadership embodied by Christ, who came not to be served but to serve. They must rise to the occasion by using all the paraphernalia of their exalted offices to put an end to this reign of terror on Nigerians by terrorists and improve the welfare of the citizens. Failure to do these, it will only be proper for those responsible for these lapses to be bold enough to resign and allow for more competent hands to take over. At this point, we cannot overemphasise the need to secure the lives and property of the citizens with unwavering determination to forestall a further breakdown of law and order.
“As the next national elections draw near, it has become important that we all be more actively involved in the processes that will produce our next crop of leaders in all cadres of our national lives. We must, as a necessity, be interested in choosing those to whom we will entrust our lives and properties in their safe custody; those who will truly serve them with honesty, sincerity of purpose, and most importantly, the fear of God.”
He urged all Nigerians not to succumb to despair or allow the country’s diversity to be weaponised against the citizens, adding: “Let us be agents of reconciliation and peace in our own spheres, extending the same grace and compassion we have received from God to our neighbours.”
