Advertisement

Nigerian Catholic Priest Freed After Three Days in Captivity

Fr. Jude Kingsley Maduka, freed after spending three days in captivity in Nigeria’s Okigwe Diocese. Credit: Okigwe Diocese
Magdalene Kahiu

By Magdalene Kahiu

Jos, 23 May, 2023 / 9:00 pm (ACI Africa).

Fr. Jude Kingsley Maduka, the Nigerian Catholic Priest who was abducted on May 19 while inspecting the site of a new adoration chapel has been set free.

The Parish Priest of Christ the King Ezinnachi/Ugwaku Parish of Okigwe Diocese in Nigeria regained his freedom on the evening of Monday, May 22, the Chancellor of the Nigerian Episcopal See announced in a statement. 

In his statement, Fr. Princewill Iwuanyanwu thanks all people of God “for your fervent prayers and show of love.”

Bishop Solomon Amanchukwu Amatu of Okigwe Diocese had asked for prayers for the “safe and sound” release of Fr. Maduka.

Fr. Maduka’s abduction has been the latest in a series of kidnappings that have targeted members of the Clergy in Africa’s most populous nation. 

Advertisement

On May 4, Fr. Chochos Kunav and Fr. Raphael Ogigba, who were kidnapped on April 29 from the country’s Catholic Diocese of Warri were set free. 

Earlier, on April 15,  Fr. Michael Ifeanyi Asomugha, Curate of St Paul’s Parish Osu of Okigwe Diocese, was kidnapped and later released.

The West African nation has been battling with increased violence orchestrated by gangs, whose members carry out indiscriminate attacks, kidnapping for ransom, and in some cases, murder.

Since 2009, Nigeria has been experiencing the Boko Haram insurgency. The group is allegedly aiming at turning Nigeria into an Islamic nation.

Magdalene Kahiu

Magdalene Kahiu is a Kenyan journalist with passion in Church communication. She holds a Degree in Social Communications from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). Currently, she works as a journalist for ACI Africa.

Trending

You may also like

The Vatican and Microsoft have created a 3D digital model of St. Peter’s Basilica using the latest in artificial intelligence to offer a new way to experience the nearly 2,000-year history of the tomb of St. Peter. / Credit: Microsoft La Basilica Di San Pietro: AI-Enhanced Experience

Discover the History of St. Peter’s Basilica in New Microsoft Oline AI-enhanced 3D Model

Accessible worldwide at virtual.basilicasanpietro.va, the free interactive platform allows anyone in the world to “visit” the virtual 3D model of...

An external view of the Chapel of the Ascension on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem during the procession of the Franciscan friars after the first vespers of the Ascension solemnity on May 8, 2024. The procession circled the chapel three times. / Credit: Marinella Bandini

Catholics Ascend to Mount Olives, Site of Jesus’ Ascension, Only Day They Can Use Chapel Currently Under Muslim Control

“I’m excited to have come to pray in the actual place of the Ascension... I want to be closer to...

Pope Francis arriving at the meeting with bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated persons, seminarians and catechists in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Dili, East Timor, Sept. 10, 2024. / Vatican Media

Catholics in East Timor Welcome Pope Francis to their Island "oasis" of Religious Vocations

Speaking in Dili's cathedral, Pope Francis challenged East Timor's Catholic leaders to renew evangelization efforts, declaring that the nation's position...