Archbishop Martins Urges Government to Rethink Security Strategy Amid Killings
The Catholic Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins, has issued a strong appeal to the Federal Government and security agencies to prioritize the security of Nigerian lives. Speaking during the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos' 2026 Chrism Mass, held at Holy Cross Cathedral on Lagos Island, Archbishop Martins emphasized that while efforts are being made, persistent challenges necessitate a thorough reevaluation of current strategies.
Call for Improved Security Measures
Archbishop Martins highlighted the urgent need for the government and security forces to rethink and restrategize their approaches to tackling insecurity. He pointed to the recent killings in Jos, Plateau State, as a stark reminder of the ongoing violence, noting that similar incidents have occurred in other parts of Nigeria. The cleric stressed that these tragedies underscore the necessity for more serious and effective methods to address the problem, urging a collaborative effort to enhance national safety.
Political Unity and International Intervention
In his address, Archbishop Martins referenced the intervention by the United States of America, which he observed has not yielded the desired results in curbing insecurity. He called on politicians to set aside their political differences and work together with security agencies to secure the lives of Nigerians. Emphasizing the interconnected issues of hunger and insecurity, he encouraged citizens to maintain hope, drawing parallels to the Easter message of renewal and encouragement.
Easter Message of Hope
Archbishop Martins reminded attendees that Easter symbolizes hope and encouragement, even in the face of adversity. He urged Nigerians to hold onto this hope as the country navigates through these challenging times, reinforcing the importance of faith and resilience in overcoming national crises.
