Abuja:  Cardinal John Onaiyekan has voiced strong concern over what he calls the growing failure of authorities to protect Nigerians from kidnappings and violent attacks. His comments come after the abduction of more than three hundred students and teachers from Saint Marys Catholic School in Niger State earlier this month.

Speaking about the latest incident the Cardinal said many Nigerians no longer feel protected. He described the attack as one more example of a long pattern of kidnappings targeted at schools communities and religious groups.

According to him repeated government promises to rescue abducted children have become empty and the situation has continued to worsen.

Cardinal Onaiyekan questioned how such large scale abductions can happen without any serious trace or immediate response. He said the lack of results has raised suspicion among citizens that insecurity may be influenced or supported by people in positions of power. He also stressed that the crisis is not a conflict between Christians and Muslims. He said both communities are suffering and many innocent families have been affected regardless of religion.

In recent weeks several northern states have shut down schools due to fear of more attacks. Some families have said they are afraid to send children back to classrooms even after security forces increased patrols in affected areas.

The Nigerian government has faced increasing criticism from church leaders community organizations and parents as rescue efforts continue. Some children who were kidnapped managed to escape but many others are still missing. International human rights groups have called for stronger action and better protection for schools and vulnerable communities.

Church leaders including Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins have also urged the government to act more decisively. They warn that if the situation is not controlled education and religious life in Nigeria will continue to be disrupted and many families may flee unsafe areas.

For many across the country the mass kidnapping has become a symbol of unresolved insecurity. As the search for the missing students continues Cardinal Onaiyekan said Nigerians hope not only for their safe return but also for lasting peace and safety in the nation.