Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Abuja (Agenzia Fides) - Since October 1, there has been no news of a Nigerian priest living and working in the Archdiocese of Abuja. The news of Father Sampson Emokhidi's disappearance was made public by the Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Abuja, Father Sam Tumba, in a brief note on October 30, saying the priest "left his home at about 8:45 p.m. on October 1, 2023 and has not been seen or heard from since then and left without any trace". The archdiocese says the disappearance has been reported to the civil authorities who have since commenced investigations. "The Archbishop and the Auxiliary Bishop request that we remember him in our prayers and if anyone has useful information regarding his whereabouts to kindly contact the Chancery". In Nigeria, priests and religious are often victims of kidnapping and extortion. However, in the case of Father Sampson's disappearance, there has so far been no attempt to demand a ransom. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 3/11/2023)
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