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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

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. 

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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.

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