Cardinal Onaiyekan urges Nigeria’s government to end kidnapping, strengthen security, and provide trauma care for rescued children.
Newsroom (16/07/2026 Gaudium Press ) Cardinal John Cardinal Onaiyekan has called on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to strengthen efforts to combat kidnapping and violent crime across Nigeria, arguing that the government must do more to bring an end to the country’s persistent security challenges.
Speaking in an interview with ACI Africa during the 25th anniversary celebration of the Catholic Men Organisation of Nigeria (CMON), the Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja said the recent rescue of abducted schoolchildren should serve as a catalyst for more decisive action against criminal networks responsible for kidnappings.
While welcoming the safe return of the children after nearly two months in captivity, Cardinal Onaiyekan maintained that the abduction should never have occurred. He argued that effective security measures should prevent such incidents rather than merely respond after they happen.
The 82-year-old Church leader stressed that the successful rescue of the children does not erase the suffering experienced by the victims and their families. According to him, the trauma endured during the period of captivity remains a significant concern despite the joy surrounding their release.
He also warned against viewing the rescue as evidence that Nigeria’s broader security crisis has been resolved. Cardinal Onaiyekan noted that many other victims are still being held by kidnappers and terrorist groups, with some families continuing to face demands for ransom.
Questioning the continued operation of kidnapping networks, the Cardinal raised concerns about reports suggesting that abductors maintain organized camps and settlements where captives are held for extended periods. He argued that if such locations exist, security agencies should be able to identify and dismantle them.
According to him, observations from videos of the rescued children suggested they had been kept in structured environments rather than surviving in remote bush locations throughout their ordeal. He said kidnappers often appear to have established systems for holding captives until negotiations are completed and ransom payments secured.
Cardinal Onaiyekan expressed frustration over what he described as the inability of authorities to neutralize these criminal elements, insisting that government efforts must be intensified to restore public confidence and safety.
He emphasized that genuine progress against insecurity will only be achieved when Nigerians can travel and conduct their daily activities without fear. Until that point, he said, the country cannot claim victory over kidnapping and related crimes.
Despite his concerns, the Cardinal gave thanks for the children’s release and expressed gratitude for the reunion of the victims with their families. He described the development as a positive outcome while cautioning that much work remains to be done.
Beyond security concerns, Cardinal Onaiyekan urged the government to provide comprehensive support for the rescued children. He highlighted the need for specialized psycho-social and psycho-spiritual rehabilitation programmes to help them recover from the effects of prolonged captivity.
The Cardinal warned that the experience could have long-term consequences, particularly for very young children, some of whom are only two years old. He said professional intervention is necessary to prevent lasting psychological and emotional damage that could affect their future development.
The interview also provided an opportunity for Cardinal Onaiyekan to reflect on the silver jubilee of the Catholic Men Organisation of Nigeria. Recalling its founding 25 years ago, he said he played a key role in bringing together the men who established the organization at the Pope John Paul II Centre.
He explained that the creation of CMON was inspired by the success of the Catholic Women Organisation, which had become highly effective in mobilizing women and encouraging active participation in Church life. Church leaders subsequently recognized the need for a similar platform that would engage men more meaningfully within the Catholic community.
Addressing members of CMON, Cardinal Onaiyekan urged them to embrace their responsibilities as fathers and leaders within their families. He stressed that strong families are essential to building a strong Church and a healthy society.
He encouraged Catholic men to transform their homes into domestic churches rooted in faith, prayer, integrity, and service. According to him, fathers should lead by example and actively nurture the spiritual lives of their families.
The Cardinal emphasized that fatherhood involves more than meeting material needs. He called on men to guide their families toward God through prayer, moral leadership, and faithful Christian living.
He also encouraged members of the organization to remain committed to evangelization and to witness to the Gospel in their homes, workplaces, and communities. Through active participation in the Church’s mission, charitable works, and moral leadership, he said Catholic men can help build stronger families, a stronger Church, and a better society.
- Raju Hasmukh with files form ACI Africa
Related Images:
