The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, has called on political leaders across Nigeria to urgently halt the spate of killings and prioritise the protection of lives and welfare of citizens.
Archbishop Martins made the call in his Easter message delivered on Saturday, according to a statement by the Archdiocese’s Director of Social Communications, Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu.
The cleric expressed deep concern over the recent wave of violence reported in parts of the country, including Kwara, Nasarawa and Plateau states, describing the situation as troubling and unacceptable.
While extending Easter greetings to Christians, Martins noted that the season symbolises hope, renewal and sacrifice, urging Nigerians not to lose faith despite prevailing challenges.
“At this auspicious occasion of the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, I extend my heartfelt greetings and prayers for a blessed and joyous Easter celebration,” he said.
He added that the message of Easter remains powerful, even in difficult times, stressing that the resurrection of Christ represents victory over darkness, suffering and despair.
The Archbishop, however, lamented the economic hardship facing many Nigerians, as well as the persistent insecurity affecting both rural and urban communities.
According to him, “the harsh economic realities have become the daily burden of countless Nigerian families,” while insecurity continues to instill fear and anxiety nationwide.
Martins specifically mourned victims of recent attacks in Jos, particularly the killing of over 27 persons in Angwan Rukuba on Palm Sunday, describing the incident as tragic and deeply disturbing.
“It is disheartening that such a heinous act was carried out on a day sacred to Christians,” he said, while expressing sympathy with affected families.
He criticised government efforts at tackling insecurity, saying authorities had failed to deliver on repeated assurances to protect lives and property.
The Archbishop urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to safeguard themselves, even as he called on government at all levels to act decisively.
“There is no justification for these unwarranted attacks,” he said, adding that human lives must take precedence over political interests.
Martins warned that political manoeuvring must not be allowed to delay critical decisions on security and economic relief, noting that the suffering of citizens should not be politicised.
“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,” he stressed.
He also decried the recent increase in the price of petroleum products, saying it has compounded hardship for Nigerians despite the country’s status as an oil producer.
According to him, the development reflects misplaced economic priorities that continue to burden citizens.
The Archbishop further urged leaders to embrace sacrificial leadership, drawing inspiration from Christ’s example of service and selflessness.
He maintained that those unable to meet expectations should consider stepping aside for more capable individuals.
“As leaders, they must rise to the occasion and use the powers of their offices to end the reign of terror and improve citizens’ welfare,” he said.
Looking ahead to future elections, Martins encouraged Nigerians to actively participate in the democratic process by electing credible leaders committed to integrity, service and the fear of God.
He also called for unity, urging citizens not to allow ethnic or religious differences to divide the country.
“Let us be agents of reconciliation and peace in our communities,” he said.
The Archbishop concluded by praying for victims of insecurity across the country, including those in Sokoto, Maiduguri and Plateau, and wished Nigerians a peaceful and blessed Easter celebration.
