2015-09-10 15:36:00

Another priest kidnapped in Nigeria


A Nigerian Spiritan priest (Congregation of the Holy Spirit), Fr. Gabriel Oyaka, was kidnapped on 7 September in Kogi State. The priest was traveling in his car along the Okene-Auchi road, on his way from the federal capital, Abuja, to Onitsha, in Anambra State. Fr. Oyaka found himself suddenly blocked by some armed bandits. According to the Nigerian press, the kidnappers have contacted the priest’s family, probably for ransom.

In recent months alone, several priests have been kidnapped or killed in road ambushes. On 15 August, a Claretian priest (Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary) Fr. Dennis Osuagwu was assassinated in Nekede. On 8 June, Fr. Emmanuel Akingbade, the pastor of St. Benedict of Ido-Elkit, in south-west Nigeria, was kidnapped, then released on 16 June.

Earlier on 1 June, Fr. Goodwill Onyeka was killed along with his brother, in a robbery along the Owo-Oba-Akoko road, in the state of Ondo, in southern Nigeria. On 4 May, Fr. Innocent Umor was kidnapped, in the Diocese of Idah, in Kogi State, in central southern Nigeria. The priest was released two days later.

(Agenzia Fides, Abuja) 








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