AFRICA/NIGERIA - A Burkinabe White Father and a Tanzanian seminarian are the two people kidnapped in the diocese of Minna

Abuja (Fides News Agency) - A White Father (MIssionary of Africa) from Burkina Faso and a Tanzanian seminarian are the two people abducted on August 3 in the assault at St. Luke's Catholic Church, Gyedna (diocese of Minna), in the area of Paikoro local government in Niger State, in North-Central Nigeria (see Fides 7/8/2023).
Fr. Paul Sanogo is a missionary with the congregation of Missionaries of Africa, better known as White Fathers, a native of Burkina Faso, while the Tanzanian seminarian - originally referred to by his baptismal name - is Melkiori Dominick Mahinini, 27 years old.
The seminarian was in Nigeria to undertake a missionary experience with the White Fathers, and is originally from the Kabanga parish in the Kigoma Region.
The bishop of Kigoma, Mons. Joseph Mlola, said that Melkiori Dominick Mahinini "was in Nigeria for a missionary experience before the commencement of his theological studies. We pray to God that the two abductees may soon have their freedom back".
Tanzania's ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Benson Bana, has confirmed the incident, claiming that all necessary measures are being taken to guarantee the pair are freed, as well as underlining that instances of kidnapping are common in Nigeria.
The president of Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC), Mons. Gervas John Mwasikwabhila Nyaisonga, Archbishop of Mbeya, reiterated "the importance of respecting human rights principles" and that, as a Church, "we support diplomatic efforts to guarantee that the abducted persons be freed unconditionally". (L.M.) (Fides News Agency 8/8/2023)

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