Pope Leo XIV Decries Kidnapping of Catholic Priests in Nigeria, Cameroon, Urges “immediate release of hostages”

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 insecurity situation in many other parts of the country has further been complicated by the involvement of the predominantly Muslim Fulani herdsmen, also referred to as the Fulani Militia.

In recent times, a series of kidnappings have targeted members of the Clergy in Africa’s most populous nation.

On November 21, pupils, students and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic Nursery, Primary, and Secondary Schools were abducted in Nigeria’s Catholic Diocese of Kontagora. The hostages are yet to be released.

Earlier, on November 17, Fr. Bobbo Paschal was abducted from his residence when gunmen attacked St. Stephen Parish of Kaduna Catholic Archdiocese. During the attack, several people were kidnapped, and Fr. Anthony Yero’s brother was killed.

On November 18, the Local Ordinary of Kontagora, Bishop Yohana Dauwa Bulus, raised concern about the safety of children in the West African country following the November 17 abduction of 25 schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State.

In an interview with ACI Africa, Bishop Bulus described the incident as a tragic reminder that the country is no longer “safe for its children.”

The Nigerian Catholic Bishop described the abduction as part of an escalating wave of violence sweeping across Kebbi and parts of Niger State.

“It has never been this bad. People sleep in the bush because they have nowhere else to run,” he said.

On November 19, one of the 25 kidnapped girls escaped and is now safe, authorities confirmed.

The student who escaped arrived home late on November 17, hours after the kidnapping, according to the school principal, Musa Rabi Magaji.

As the international community expressed concern, Pope Leo XIV addressed the crisis on November 18 while departing the Papal Residence in Castel Gandolfo.

Responding to a question from EWTN News, the Holy Father lamented the ongoing insecurity in Nigeria and called for renewed efforts to protect all civilians.

“In Nigeria, in certain areas, there is certainly a danger for Christians — but for all people,” Pope Leo XIV said, adding, “Christians and Muslims have been slaughtered. There’s a question of terrorism, a question tied to economics and control of land.”

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The Pope noted that many Christians have died and emphasized that any long-term solution must involve cooperation between religious communities, civil authorities, and the Nigerian government.

“It’s very important to seek a way… to promote authentic religious freedom,” he said.

In July, three minor Seminarians were abducted during an armed attack on Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Nigeria’s Catholic Diocese of Auchi. All three endured months of torture despite pleas with abductors and the paying of ransoms.

Two of the Seminarians later regained their freedom, while the third died in captivity.

The U.S President, Donald Trump, recently designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), a move that the Vice-Chancellor of Veritas University, Abuja, has said accords national leaders of the West African nation an opportunity for international collaboration rather than an act of hostility.

“Anyone who can support us with equipment and help our soldiers in their war against bandits should be encouraged. That is what Trump wants for our country,” Fr. Hyacinth Ichoku told ACI Africa on November 7, on the sidelines of the Veritas University’s 14th convocation lecture.

Meanwhile, in Cameroon’s Catholic Archdiocese of Bamenda, six Catholic Priests were kidnapped on November 15. Fr. John Berinyuy Tatah remains in captivity, while five of those abducted were later released.