Religious leaders demand release of abducted school children, decry rising insecurity

By OLAYINKA LATONA

LAGOS—Religious leaders across Christian and Muslim faiths have jointly condemned the rising wave of kidnappings in Nigeria, particularly recent attacks involving school children and teachers in parts of Oyo and Borno States, calling for their immediate and unconditional release.

The leaders spoke in separate reactions and religious gatherings, where they also urged government authorities to intensify efforts to tackle insecurity across the country.

At the monthly Thanksgiving service of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) national headquarters in Lagos, Mrs. Foluke Adeboye, wife of the General Overseer, led prayers for national leaders and victims of abduction.

With the theme “Divine Partnership,” she urged Nigerians to pray for those in authority, asking for wisdom and divine guidance for leaders at all levels of government.

She also prayed for the release of abducted persons, calling on God to intervene in the security situation and restore peace to affected families.

In a separate reaction, the Amir of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Barrister Azeez Alatoye, described the kidnappings as “terrorism, banditry and wickedness,” insisting that such acts are un-Islamic and unjustifiable.

He called for the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted victims and urged government to properly deploy security resources to protect citizens.

Also speaking, Reverend Susan Ezeudemba, Women’s Coordinator of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Lagos Mainland Province, described the situation as painful and unacceptable, urging women in leadership positions to intervene more actively in addressing insecurity.

She called on female political leaders and spouses of public office holders to act as “Esthers and Deborahs,” using their influence to push for urgent solutions.

Similarly, Pastor Sam Adeosun, Chairman of the Lagos State Christian Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (CPFN), condemned the abductions and urged government to intensify security operations to curb the trend.

He noted that while authorities may already be working behind the scenes, greater effort is needed to protect vulnerable citizens, especially children.

In a viral video, Catholic priest Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka also reacted to the insecurity situation, urging Nigerians to hold state governors accountable for security spending, rather than focusing solely on the federal government.

He called on those behind the kidnappings to release the victims immediately, warning of divine consequences for continued violence against innocent citizens.

Across the various faith-based responses, religious leaders maintained a united stance condemning the attacks and demanding swift action from authorities, while insisting that the safe return of all abducted persons remains a national priority.

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