Renowned Nigerian Catholic Gospel Singer Regains Freedom after Seven Days in Captivity

In an interview with ACI Africa on Wednesday, November 20, Fr. Banjo said that every Nigeria, at the moment, is affected by the insecurity which he said “is everywhere” in the West African country. 

The Priest lamented that insecurity is forcing many talented individuals to flee the country.

In the interview with ACI Africa before Nnam regained his freedom, Fr. Banjo said, “Think of what this man is going through now. When he regains his freedom, he might decide to leave Nigeria for a place where he feels secure. Many have already left the country because of kidnapping and general insecurity.” 

The Catholic Priest underscored the need for the government to prioritize security, saying, “I understand the government is doing something, but they need to do more. A safe country is the foundation for every other development.”  

Sir Nnam’s abduction follows a series of other kidnappings that have targeted members of the Clergy in Africa’s most populous nation.

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On November 5, Fr. Emmanuel Azubuike Parish Priest of St. Theresa Obollo Parish of the Catholic Diocese of Okigwe was abducted and later released.

The Rector of the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary of Nigeria’s Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Fr. Thomas Oyode, was abducted on October 27; he was released after a 10-day captivity, on November 6.

Fr. Mikah Suleima who was abducted on June 22 from his Parish Rectory in Nigeria’s Catholic Diocese of Sokoto regained his freedom.

On June 9, Fr. Gabriel Ukeh was abducted from a parish rectory in the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan. He reportedly regained his freedom the following day, on June 10. 

Fr. Oliver Buba, a Catholic Priest of the Diocese of Yola was abducted on May 21 in the Catholic Diocese; he was later released.

Earlier, on May 15, the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha announced the abduction of Fr. Basil Gbuzuo, who was also later set free.

Abah Anthony John is a Nigerian Journalist with great enthusiasm and interest for Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication from Benue State University, Makurdi, Benue State Nigeria. He has vast experience in Print,  Electronic and Multi-Media Production.