Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Abuja (Agenzia Fides) - Two Catholic priests have been kidnapped in the state of Delta, in southern Nigeria. They are Father Chochos Kunav, who belongs to the congregation of the Secular Institute of the Schoenstatt Fathers, and Father Ralph Ogigba of the clergy of the diocese of Warri, parish priest of St. Francis Church, Agbara Otor, Ughelli North, in Delta State.
Father Kunav works in the diocese of Ibadan, but had gone to Warri to visit some acquaintances. "Unfortunately, last night (Sunday, April 30), after a brief visit to a neighboring parish, Father Chochos Kunav and Father Ralph Ogigba were kidnapped on their way back to Father Ogigba's parish," says a statement from the Schoenstatt Fathers.
"The kidnapping - specifies the statement sent to Fides - took place along the road in front of the Ibru Agbara Otor University.
On April 15, Fr. Michael Ifeanyi Asomugha, parish priest of the St. Paul church in Okigwe, in Imo State, in the southeast of the country, was also kidnapped. The priest was released by his kidnappers nine days later. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 2/5/2023)
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