Bandits in Kaduna torch Catholic Parish, killing Seminarian
Story from Saleh INUWA, Kano
In a harrowing incident, criminal elements suspected to be bandits launched a brutal attack in Kamanton, Zango Kataf Local Government area of Kaduna State, setting ablaze the Catholic Parish House around 8 p.m. on Thursday night.
Tragically, Seminarian Brother Stephen Naman Ngofe lost his life in the fire, beyond recognition.
“Both the Kaduna State Police Command and the Ministry for Internal Security and Home Affairs are yet to make any official statement with regards to this unfortunate development as at the time of filing this report,” the report noted.
Two other occupants of the facility were fortunate enough to escape the inferno and evade kidnapping attempts by the attackers. These survivors are Monday Noah, the Assistant Parish Priest, and Emmanuel Okolo, the Parish Priest.
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Francis Sani, Chairman of Zango Kataf LGA, expressed his shock and dismay at the news, confirming the tragic development.
He revealed that the kidnappers fled the scene after setting both a vehicle and the Parish House ablaze, ultimately failing in their kidnapping attempt.
“The chairman is also saddened by the death of Brother Stephen Naman who died as a result of the smoke he inhaled while trying to escape from the grasp of the kidnappers,” said Yabo Chris Ephraim, the Special Assistant (Media) to the Chairman.
Represented by the Vice Chairman of the Council, Gabriel Achi, the Council Secretary, Markus Fangan, and other Council members, Chairman Sani offered condolences to Kamanton Parish, the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, the people of Kamanton Ward, and the entire Zangon Kataf community for their loss.
“He reaffirmed his faith in God and collaborative efforts being undertaken to bring an end to all forms of security threats within the Local Government Area and beyond, urging the people to be alert, law-abiding, and supportive,” the report concluded.
