Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Abuja (Agenzia Fides ) - The Church of Nigeria is following with special attention and participation the case of the nearly 300 girls kidnapped by a terrorist group in Nigeria. "In the last two Sundays, at the end of every Mass, we prayed so that the girls can embrace their families soon", says Fr. Patrick Tor Alumuku, Director of Communications of the Archdiocese of Abuja. "On Sunday, May 11, in every parish and every church in Nigeria an hour of adoration to pray for the release of the girls was held - continues Fr. Patrick - while Cardinal John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan, Archbishop of Abuja, has multiplied the appeals in their favor".
Several States have offered their assistance to the Nigerian authorities to free the students in the hands of Boko Haram, the Islamist sect which has asked for the release of several of its member inmates in Nigerian prisons in exchange for the girls. Fr. Patrick concludes on a note of cautious optimism: "We hope that this matter can be successfully concluded in coming days". (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 14/05/2014)
