“We solicit your fervent prayers”: Okigwe Catholic Diocese in Nigeria after Abduction of Parish Priest

Aba, 06 November, 2024 / 10:00 PM

The Catholic Diocese of Okigwe in Nigeria is appealing for “fervent prayers” for the safety and release of Fr. Emmanuel Azubuike who, was abducted on Tuesday, November 5.

In a statement shared with ACI Africa, the Chancellor of the Nigerian Catholic Diocese, Fr. Princewill Iwuanyanwu, says that the Parish Priest of St. Theresa Obollo Parish was taken away “along Alaiyi Community in Obollo, Isiala Mbano, Imo State while on his way back home from an assignment.”

“We solicit your fervent prayers that he may come back to us safe and sound, while trusting in your goodwill and solidarity,” Fr. Iwuanyanwu says.

Nigeria has been battling with a surge of violence orchestrated by gangs, whose members carry out indiscriminate attacks, kidnapping for ransom, and in some cases, killing.

Boko Haram insurgency has been a major challenge in the country since 2009, a group that allegedly aims to turn Africa's most populous nation into an Islamic nation.

The latest abduction of Fr. Azubuike follows a series of other kidnappings that have targeted members of the Clergy in Africa’s most populous nation.

The Rector of the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary of Nigeria’s Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Fr. Thomas Oyode was abducted on October 27 and is yet to be released.

On June 9, Fr. Gabriel Ukeh was abducted from a parish rectory in the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan.

Fr. Oliver Buba, a Catholic Priest of the Diocese of Yola was abducted on May 21 in the Catholic Diocese; he was later released.

Earlier, on May 15, the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha announced the abduction of Fr. Basil Gbuzuo, who was also later set free.