Nigeria Catholic Network reports that the 3 kidnapped Seminarians have been released but gunmen now kidnap a Catholic priest (pictured).
Barely 48 hours after theology four seminarians of Christ the King Major Seminary, Fayit Fadan Kagoma in Jema’a Local Government Area, Kaduna State, were kidnapped by gunmen suspected to be bandits, the trio were released by their abductors. This is even as a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Godfrey Chimezie, of the St. Theresa’s Parish, Umuahia, Abia State, has been kidnapped.
The three Major Seminarians were abducted by armed persons from the Chapel of the Seminary.
In a circular released on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 by the Curia, Catholic Diocese Of Kafanchan and addressed to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Metropolitan Archbishop of Kaduna Province, Vicar Foranes, Priests, Religious,People Of God, All Men and Women Of Goodwill, the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Okolo thanked all those who offered prayers and entreaties for the quick release of the seminarians.
The circular reads in part: “With hearts filled with joy, we raise our voices in a symphony of praises as we announce the return of our Three Major Seminarians, who were abducted by armed persons from the Chapel of the Seminary at Christ the King Major Seminary, Fayit Fadan Kagoma in Jema’a Local Government Area, Kaduna State, on Monday 11 October, 2021. Barely 48 hours after their kidnap, our beloved brothers were released by their abductors.
“We want to thank all those that have offered prayers and entreaties for the quick release of our Seminarians and Others who are still in the dens of their kidnappers. We pray God to hasten the release of those who are still in the hands of their Captors.
“All our Priests are directed to kindly celebrate Mass of THANKSGIVING to God tomorrow, Thursday 14th October 2021, for the quick and safe release of our Seminarians.”
In another development, Rev. Fr. Godfrey Mark Chimezie of St Theresa Catholic Church, Umuahia, Abia State, has been abducted along Enyiukwu Road Ohokobe Afaraukwu community, Ibeku in Umuahia North LGA of Abia State.
Eye witnesses said the kidnappers intercepted the clergy who had just concluded a morning mass at St Gabriel, Okpururie, Afaraukwu, forced him out of his Toyota Corolla into their jeep and drove off.
Chimezie, who comes from Enugu state, was ordained a priest earlier this year.
Edited from Nigeria Catholic Network
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