Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Abuja (Agenzia Fides) - Once again a Catholic priest has been kidnapped in Nigeria. "Fr. Joseph Igweagu, parish priest of St. Joseph Parish in Abata Nsugbe, Anambra state, was abducted while returning to the rectory after a funeral in Umunnachi on Wednesday, October 12", said a statement from the Archdiocese of Onitsha on October 16.
The Archdiocese asks the faithful to pray for the priest's "unconditional release" and warns that "everything in our power will be done to secure his release". "While we pray for the conversion of his kidnappers, we appeal to our Mother Mary, who unties all knots, to intercede for him so that he may soon be released safely", concludes the statement sent to Fides.
The state of Anambra is located in south-eastern Nigeria, in an area particularly affected by the phenomenon of kidnapping for extortion. However, the crime has now spread to other regions of Nigeria. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 18/10/2022)
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