Bandits in Niger State kidnap 2 Catholic priests from their personal residence
Story from Christine TOBECHUKWU
Gunmen suspected to be bandits have reportedly abducted two Roman Catholic Priests in Niger State.
The priests identified as Rev Fr Paul Sanogo and Seminarian Melchior, both of St Luke’s Catholic Church, Gyedna, Garam Ward in Tafa Local Government Area of Niger State, were reportedly abducted by gunmen suspected to be bandits in the early hours of Thursday, 3rd August, 2023 at their residence in Gyedna.
Residents who witnessed the incident told Daily Trust that the kidnappers opened fire for over an hour before they finally whisked away the two priests.
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The Catholic Bishop of Minna, Most Rev Dr Martin Igwe Uzoukwu in a message he sent to members of the church stated that the two priests were pastoral workers at St Luke’s Catholic Church Gyedna.
Part of the message read,
“On behalf of my Auxiliary Most Rev Sylvester Luka Gopep, the Priests and Religious of the Catholic Diocese of Minna, I request for your prayers for Fr Paul Sanogo (M.Afr) and Seminarian Melchior who were kidnapped by bandits in the early hours of August 3, 2023 at the priest residence at Gyedna, Niger State.
“Fr Paul Sanogo (M.Afr) and Seminarian Melchior are pastoral workers serving at St Luke’s Catholic Church Gyedna, Niger State. We pray the Lord hears our prayers and bring them back in peace.”
Niger State Police Command Spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun confirmed the incident.
He noted that police tactical teams led by the DPO of Tafa Division had been dispatched to the scene.
“However, the location of the church was discovered to be on the outskirt of the town, which is about an hour drive from Sabon-Wuse, and surrounded with mountains and forest, close to Kagarko are of Kaduna State.
“Meanwhile, other seminarians therein have been advised to relocate temporarily while investigation into the incident is ongoing with a view to rescuing the victims and arrest the perpetrators of the crime,” he said.
