Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Abuja (Agenzia Fides) - A Nigerian Spiritan father (Congregation of the Holy Spirit), Fr. Gabriel Oyaka, was kidnapped on September 7 in Kogi State. The priest was traveling in his car along the Okene-Auchi road, on his way from the federal capital, Abuja, to Onitsha, in Anambra State, when suddenly he was blocked by some armed bandits. According to the Nigerian press the kidnappers have contacted the priest’s family, probably for ransom.
In recent months, several priests have been kidnapped or killed in road ambushes. On August 15, a Claretian father (Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary) Fr. Dennis Osuagwu, was assassinated in Nekede (see Fides 17/08/2015). On June 8, Emmanuel Akingbade was kidnapped, pastor of St. Benedict of Ido-Elkit (in south-west Nigeria), then released on June 16 (see Fides 22/06/2015).
On June 1, Don Goodwill Onyeka was killed along with his brother, in a robbery along the Owo-Oba-Akoko road, in the state of Ondo, in southern Nigeria (see Fides 02/06/2015). On May 4 Fr. Innocent Umor was kidnapped, in the diocese of Idah, in Kogi State, in central southern Nigeria. The priest was released two days later (see Fides 08/05/2015). (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 10/09/2015)
