AFRICA/NIGERIA - Fr. John Bako Shekwolo kidnapped, parish priest of Saint Teresa of Ankuwa, in the State of Kaduna

Wednesday, 27 March 2019

Abuja (Agenzia Fides) - Yet another kidnapping of a Catholic priest in Nigeria. According to news sent to Agenzia Fides Fr. John Bako Shekwolo was kidnapped on March 25 in his home in the village of Ankuwai, in the state of Kaduna, in central - northern Nigeria. The kidnapping was confirmed by the Chancellor, Archdiocese of Kaduna, Reverend Father Daniel J. Kyomm: "We regret to announce that one of our priests, Rev. Fr. John Bako Shekwolo has been kidnapped by unknown persons. As we ask for the prayers of the faithful of our Archdiocese and beyond for the quick release of Fr. Shekwolo, we appeal to the consciences of those who abducted him to kindly release him unharmed". The local police are doing their best to release Fr. Shekwolo, who is the parish priest of the church of St. Teresa of Ankuwa.
The kidnapping of the Catholic priest was stigmatized by the Christian Association of Nigeria - CAN, which brings together the various Christian confessions in the Country, with a statement of its president, Reverend John Joseph Hayab. "CAN condemns the abduction of Bako in its entirety. While we note that kidnapping in Kaduna State has become a big business, we appeal to the kidnappers to kindly release Bako unhurt". "It is sad that Kaduna State has become the centre of kidnapping with government doing almost nothing to stop it. This shows there is governance failure, as far as security of lives and property is concerned", the reverend said. "Government and security agencies must wake up to their responsibilities of protecting lives and property, which is the essence of government", the statement concludes. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 27/3/2019)


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