Gunmen Abduct Another Catholic Priest In Kaduna

Barely 48 hours after the abduction of Reverend Fathers Uboh Philemon of St. Joseph Retreat Centre and Rev. Fr. Udom Peter of Uromi Catholic Church, both of Ugbokha, Esan South East LGA, Edo State, gunmen have kidnapped Rev Father Emmanuel Silas in Kaduna state.

Naija News understands that Father Silas was reportedly kidnapped on Monday morning in Zambina, Kauru LGA of the state.

Confirming the clergyman’s abduction in a statement to journalists, chancellor of the Catholic diocese of Kafanchan, Emmanuel Uchechukwu Okolo called for intense prayers for the priest quick and safe release.

The statement reads: “It is with great pain that we announce to you the kidnapping of our Priest, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Silas. The event occurred in the early hours of July 04, 2022, when he could not turn up for morning Mass.

“He was abducted from the parish rectory at St. Charles Catholic Church, Zambina, in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. We solicit an intense prayer for his quick and safe release, we equally wish to call on all and sundry to refrain from taking the laws into their hands. We will use every legitimate means to ensure his quick and safe release.

“May Jesus crucified on the Cross, listen to our prayers and hasten the unconditional release of His Priest and all other kidnapped persons.”

Naija News reports that barely 48 hours ago gunmen had also abducted Reverend Fathers Philemon and Peter.

The Catholic priest were abducted when returning to their parish after an event on Saturday.

According to reports, the clergymen were on their way from Benin, the Edo State capital, to Ugboha after attending the program when gunmen attacked them on the Benin-Auchi road between Ekhor and Iruekpen axis.

The Catholic priests were reportedly whisked into the bush by the gunmen.