Nigeria: Catholic priest kidnapped in restive Kaduna State
The abduction of Father Sylvester Okechukwu from the Diocese of Kafantchan is a cause for concern since it comes months after the abduction of two of his confreres, one of whom was killed by captors
The Diocese of Kafantchan in north-central Nigeria on December 21 announced that Father Sylvester Okechukwu was kidnapped the day before and have asked Catholics to pray for his quick release.
The priest who was working at St Anthony's Parish, Fadan Kono, was abducted from the rectory of the parish located in Lere, a local government town in Kaduna State, read a statement issued by the Diocese of Kafanchan. The diocese is asking for "intense prayers for his speedy and safe release" and assures the faithful that it will "use all legitimate means to ensure his speedy and safe release".
Father Okechukwu's abduction is a cause for concern in the diocese, especially since it comes a few months after the abduction of two of his confreres, one of whom was killed by his captors. Father John Mark Cheitnum was murdered while Father Donatus Cleophas managed to escape.
Four priests killed in Kaduna
The death of Father Cheitnum brings to four the number of priests killed since the beginning of the year in Kaduna State, where most kidnappings in Nigeria happen.
Father Joseph Aketeh Bako, 48, was abducted March 8, while in his rectory. A statement from his Archdiocese of Kaduna on May 11 confirmed the killing between April 18-20 and the funeral celebrated June 8 without the victim's body. On June 15, Father Vitus Borogo, 50, the chaplain of the Catholic community of the Kaduna Polytechnic and president of the Nigerian Catholic Diocesan Priests Association, Kaduna section, was also killed. Father Christopher Odia, 41, was killed June 26, the same day he was abducted. The priest was was leaving to go to celebrate Sunday Mass at St. Michel Church when he was kidnapped.
On June 30, about 100 priests demonstrated in Kaduna State against these abductions, on the sidelines of the funeral of Father Borogo. “We no longer have tears in our eyes because the source of our tears has dried up because of the constant crying," said Archbishop Matthew Man-oso Ndagoso of Kaduna. “We have also lost our voices because when you speak, no one listens. You cry, no one hears your cry, but we will not lose hope. One day, God will wipe away our tears,” he added.