Nigeria: Two priests kidnapped

Photo by Joshua Oluwagbemiga on Unsplash

Source: Fides

Two priests have been kidnapped in different parts of Nigeria this week. Fr Sylvester Okechukwu, from the diocese of Kafanchan, in the state of Kaduna, in northern Nigeria, was kidnapped on Tuesday, 20 December. The news was made public in a statement issued by the diocese.

Fr Sylvester who serves at St Anthony's parish, Fadan Kano, was abducted around 11.45 in the evening from the parish rectory in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The diocese asks for prayers for the prompt release of the priest, and appeals for people "not to take justice into their own hands." They state: We will use all legal means to ensure his safe and speedy release."

Earlier this week, Fr Christopher Ogide, Associate Pastor at Maria Assumpta Parish in the diocese of Umuahia in southern Nigeria, was abducted at the entrance of his parish house as he was about to drive out to buy fuel.

Diocesan Bishop Michael Kalu Ukpong, has called on the faithful of the Diocese to be prayerful and remain calm.

To date there has been no further news about either of the abducted priests.