Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Abuja (Agenzia Fides) – Fr. Christopher Ogaga, pastor of the Emmanuel Catholic Church in Oviri-Okpe, in the State of the Delta, kidnapped on the evening of Saturday, September 1 while traveling from Okpe to Warri, in southern Nigeria (see Fides, 5/9/2018) has been released.
According to Fr. Clement Abobo, chancellor of the diocese of Warri, the priest was released yesterday, September 5, without having paid a ransom of 15 million naira. "As soon as they understood that nobody would pay the ransom, they released him", said Fr. Abobo to Help for the Church in Need. According to Fr. Adobo, Fr. Ogaga is in good condition. "We went to see him at the hospital yesterday where he is undergoing medical check-up. During the kidnapping, he was not beaten, but was kept outside in the rain all the time, without food or water. Now he is fine and he is obviously happy to have been released". (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 6/9/2018)
AFRICA/NIGERIA - Two people arrested in connection with the kidnapping of Father Thomas Ayode
AFRICA/NIGERIA - Rector of a seminary offers himself as hostage in exchange for two students
ASIA/SINGAPORE - Cardinal Goh after the attack on a priest during a mass: “We cannot allow evil to paralyze the proclamation of the Gospel”