AFRICA/NIGERIA - Leader of the gang that caused the death of a seminarian has been arrested

Abuja (Agenzia Fides) - The leader of the gang responsible for the attack on the parish of St. Raphael in Fadan Kamantan, in the diocese of Kafanchan, in Kaduna State, during which a young seminarian was burned alive, has been arrested.
Yakubu Saidu, also known as “Ismail” was arrested by the police in Kaduna, on March 22. The man allegedly confessed to being the leader of the gang of criminals who attacked St. Raphael Catholic church, Fadan Kamanta, diocese of Kafancha on September 7, 2023, during which the parish house was set on fire causing the death of the seminarian, Stephen Na'aman Danladi, who was 25 years old (see Fides, 8/9/2023).
In a statement released on May 23, Jasuna State Police Public Relations Chief ASP Mansir Hassan said the arrest was carried out in collaboration with military personnel.
“On September 7, 2023, at approximately 2030hrs, the Officer in Charge of Fadan Kamanta, Zonkwa, alerted authorities of a distressing situation at St. Raphael Catholic Church, Kamantan, where suspected kidnappers had launched an attack” reads the statement. “Police officers, in collaboration with military personnel, swiftly mobilised to the scene.” “Regrettably, the suspects had already set ablaze the priest’s residence before the arrival of the security personnel. Despite the valiant efforts, one seminarian, Stephen Naaman, tragically lost his life in the inferno and property worth millions of naira, including a Honda vehicle and a motorcycle, were consumed by the fire”. “Due to diligence and the tireless pursuit of the issue by the police, on March 22, 2024, one Yakubu Saidu, the alleged mastermind and leader of the notorious kidnapping gang, was apprehended and he confessed to his involvement in the heinous crime.”
The bandits set fire to the parish house after failing to kidnap two priests who served in the parish. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 25/3/2024)

Share: