Religious leaders call for release of abducted schoolchildren and warn of growing insecurity.

By OLAYINKA LATONA

LAGOS—Religious leaders from both Christian and Muslim communities have jointly condemned the escalating wave of kidnappings in Nigeria, especially the recent attacks on school children and teachers in parts of Oyo and Borno States. They called for the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted individuals.

The leaders voiced their concerns at separate religious gatherings, urging government authorities to strengthen efforts to address insecurity nationwide.

During the monthly Thanksgiving service at 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 appealed to Nigerians to pray for those in authority, seeking wisdom and divine guidance for leaders at all levels of government, and 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 address, 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 urged the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted victims and called on the government to deploy security resources effectively to protect citizens.

Reverend Susan Ezeudemba, Women’s Coordinator of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) Lagos Mainland Province, described the situation as painful and unacceptable. She urged women in leadership positions to intervene more actively in addressing insecurity, calling on female political leaders and spouses of public office holders to act as “Esthers and Deborahs,” using their influence to push for urgent solutions.

Pastor Sam Adeosun, Chairman of the Lagos State Christian Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (CPFN), condemned the abductions and urged the 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 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 these 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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