Two of Three Monks Abducted from Nigerian Monastery Released, Diocese Appeals for Prayers

Ilorin, 23 October, 2023 / 8:50 PM

Two of the three monks who were abducted from a Monastery in Nigeria’s Catholic Diocese of Ilorin have been set free, the Diocese has said.

Fulani bandits reportedly attacked the Benedictine Monastery, Eruku in Nigeria’s Kwara State in the wee hours of October 17 and kidnapped Br. Anthony Eze, Br. Peter Olarewaju, and Br. Godwin Eze.

In an update that was shared with ACI Africa on Sunday, October 22, the Diocesan Administrator of Ilorin Diocese said that while Br. Anthony and Br. Peter had been set free, Br. Godwin was still being held by the bandits.

“We have received, some moments ago, news concerning the release of two of our brother monks, Bro. Anthony Eze and Bro. Peter Olarewaju,” Fr. Anselm Pendo Lawani said.

He added, “We encourage us all to intensify our prayers for our third brother; Bro. Godwin Eze. We shall avail further information as soon as we receive any. May our Blessed Mother Mary continue to intercede for us through Christ our Lord Amen.”

Br. Anthony and Br. Peter are Postulants while Br. Godwin Eze is a Novice at the monastery, which is located in northcentral Nigeria.

The Catholic Diocese of Ilorin Serves Kwara State, which is bordered to the East by Kogi State, to the North by Niger State, and to the South by Ekiti, Osun and Oyo States. 

Some of these Nigerian States, including Kogi and Niger continue to witness attacks, reportedly perpetrated by armed Fulani herdsmen and other bandits. 

A report by Intersociety in April indicated that more than 150 people had been slaughtered in Christian parts of Niger State in 100 days alone. 

And that of the 707 Christians that had been abducted in the same period, 200 abductions were carried out in Niger alone.