Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lagos (Agenzia Fides) - "The Reverend Professor Justin Ukpong, and his driver were released Sunday, June 27, without payment of any ransom, thanks to the work of police at the place where the two were held by their kidnappers," Fides was told by His Excellency Archbishop John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan, Archbishop of Abuja and Chairman of the Council of Veritas University of Nigeria, whose Vice Chancellor, Rev. Prof. Justin Ukpong and his driver were kidnapped by unknown persons on June 24.
"Together we have the authorities, we bishops have made the firm decision not to pay any ransom. At least another 5 priests have been kidnapped recently. We have decided to put an end to this crime involving innocent citizens," said Archbishop Onaiyekan.
In a note previously sent to Agenzia Fides, Archbishop Onaiyekan said: “We, the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria are really disturbed by this latest development which is a threat to the contribution of the Church to education development in the country. We condemn it vehemently. At the same time, we pray for a change of heart by those involved. We therefore appeal to the kidnappers to release the Vice Chancellor and his driver unhurt and without any conditions. We also use this medium to call on the Federal, State governments and Security Agents to do more in their power to guarantee security of lives and property of the law-abiding citizens of our great nation.”
On May 28, 3 students of the University were also kidnapped from the university's women's residence in Obehie. The students were released after 10 days, without the payment of ransom. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 30/6/2010)
