Most Rev. Alfred Martins, the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, has urged the Federal Government to identify the perpetrators and sponsors of the recent killings in Plateau State and other parts of the country. In a statement released on Tuesday, Martins emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s action against the evildoers would demonstrate that they are not being shielded, reinforcing the commitment to combating insecurity.
The Archbishop expressed concern over the failure of security agencies to bring culprits to justice, stating that the inability to secure lives may lead people to resort to bearing arms for self-defense. He called for accountability and transparency, insisting that addressing the issue of impunity in communities affected by violence is essential.
The statement highlighted the outrage over the Christmas Eve attacks in Plateau State, where communities in three local government areas were targeted. President Bola Tinubu condemned the attacks and ordered a manhunt for the killers, promising that those responsible for the “envoys of death, pain, and sorrow” would not escape justice.
Archbishop Martins acknowledged the pain and sorrow caused by the heartless attacks, emphasizing the need for tangible actions to bring perpetrators to justice. He expressed concern that the promises to bring culprits to book have become repetitive, calling for real action to restore confidence in the justice system.
Martins countered the claim that the killings were targeted at Christians, stating that the government and security agencies have a duty to prove that they are taking concrete steps to address the situation. He emphasized the importance of bringing the perpetrators and their sponsors to justice, dispelling the perception that they are being shielded by powerful forces.
The Archbishop called on religious groups and leaders to denounce such mindless killings and take proactive steps to end the atrocities. He urged the government to find a lasting solution to the problem, emphasizing the grave consequences of religious discord.