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Tag: Catholic Priest

  • Unknown gunmen kidnap another Catholic priest in Edo state

    A Catholic priest popularly known as Rev. Father Osia was on Sunday morning kidnapped by gunmen in the Ikabigbo community, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State

    The Catholic cleric was whisked away by the unknown gunmen whilst he was preparing for Sunday Mass at his residence.

    Efforts are already put in place by community guards in the community to comb the bush and hideouts in search of the missing cleric.

    A source said that gunmen  shot one of the community boys searching for the reverend father, explaining that the victim was rushed to the hospital for treatment.

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    Gunmen kidnap Catholic priest in Kaduna

    Confirming the incident, traditional ruler of the community, Bramah Alegeh explained that efforts are going on to ensure the release of the Catholic Priest.

    He further confirmed that the Army in collaboration with local vigilante were combing the bush to ensure the release of the cleric.

    TheNewsGuru.com recalls that the  Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan Rev. Fr. Joseph Shekari of St Monica’s Catholic Church Ikulu Parish was kidnapped few weeks ago in Kaduna state.

     

     

  • 2023: Fr.Mbaka makes U-turn, apologises, prays for Peter Obi

    Enugu Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka has made a U-turn from his last message berating Labour party’s  presidential candidate Peter Obi  to apologize and subsequently bless him.

    Mbaka made the apology one day after saying Peter Obi can never become Nigeria’s president because of his stingy nature.

    Recall that Mbaka said that unless God ceases to exist, Obi would never smell the seat of the President adding that it was better to have an old man as President than a ‘stingy young man’.

    The comment by the Catholic priest had stirred diverse reactions from Nigerians who accused him of hating Peter Obi because he refused to donate to his church.

    However, the Catholic cleric said via a statement he signed that his intention was not to malign Obi’s personalty but pray for him.

    His statement reads in part ”I am grateful to God for His unquantifiable and favourable blessings, miracles, love and life for the Adoration Ministry, Enugu, Nigeria.

    I assure the people of God and Nigerians that I am praying for Good Governance and Good Leadership in this country and that God will give us leaders after His own Heart.

    ”As it stands right now, it is obvious that Nigeria is passing through indescribable insecurity challenges, an inestimable unemployment crisis, massive corruption, heinous crimes, and unbearable suffering engendered by bad leadership. I bear with my fellow countrymen and women in whatever we are passing through in this trying time. I call on the adorers and the entire people of God to join hands in praying that God will deliver us from the plans of the devil and its wicked agents.

    ”I am a servant of God and my intention is not to malign His Excellency, Peter Obi’s image, but to pray for him. May God’s will be done in his life. I pray to God whom I serve to give our beloved people good and excellent leaders who will take care of them and lead them to the promised land. Anyone who God wishes to make our Leader is my choice. In this vein, I give my blessings to His Excellency Peter Obi and his supporters, I also give my blessings to the other candidates and their supporters whose intention is also to give Nigeria good leaders. In any way, the supporters of Mr Peter Obi feel offended by my utterances or however I was misunderstood by them, I ask for their understanding and forgiveness.

    ”As a servant of the Most High God, I pray that it shall be well with my people. I am an ardent supporter of Good Governance, Justice, Equity, Love, and Godliness. At this time our people are passing through the valleys of shadows of death (Ps23.4), I pray for peace, love, and anything that will bring blessings and favour to our people and to our suffering teaming youths. I will always stand with you in all your ordeals. God will take care of you and bless you miraculously for me.

    ”My intention is not to fight or malign Mr. Peter Obi. He is my friend and remains my friend and brother I love him and I wish him Success May God bless him and his good supporters. God’s will be done in his political endeavours (Mk.14:36)

    ”The followers of Peter Obi are the same youths I am praying for, sacrificing for, fighting for, speaking for, and working for their integral well-being. What the youths are passing through and their conditions give me sleepless nights. It is for this reason that I yearn for good governance and worthy leaders that will take care of them. We are passing through indescribable, unbearable, and undeserved hardship in this country. I pray for Divine intervention.

    ”I am not in any political party but I support good people and good governance. Any good person that God can give us is my chosen candidate. I am a servant of God; For the sake of peace, I ask for forgiveness in any way I am misunderstood. And to Peter Obi himself, I ask God to bless him and manifest his will in his life. When God says Yes, who can say No? And when God says No, who can say Yes? I bless Peter Obi and pray for him. I bless my dear fellow Adores and pray for them. I bless the people of God everywhere and I pray that it shall be well with you all.

    ”For the sake of those who were gruesomely killed on Pentecost Sunday at St St. Francis Xavier parish Owo, Ondo State who are being buried today, there will be no all-night Adoration program today,17th June 2022. We join the entire Catholic Church to mourn their demise. May their souls and the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in Perfect Peace. Amen.”

  • Just In: Gunmen abduct Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. James Kantoma in Jos

    Gunmen have abducted Rev. Fr. James Kantoma, the Parish priest of St. Anthony Catholic Church, Angware, Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau.

    DSP Alabo Alfred, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, confirmed the abduction on Monday in Jos.

    Alfred said that Kantoma, who is also the chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the local government, was kidnapped on Sunday night at the church’s vicarage.

    He said the command has deployed officers and men from the anti-kidnapping unit to the community.

    “Our men are already working to ensure that the cleric regains his freedom and apprehend those behind the abduction,” the PPRO said.

    Speaking, Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo, the Chairman of CAN in the state, described the incident as ”unfortunate and sad.”

    “Since the gunmen took the priest away, we have not heard anything either from him or the abductors.

    ”This is so sad, but we are praying for him that no harm will befall him wherever he is,” he said.

    Lubo, however, called on government and security agencies to ensure the safe return of the abducted priest and others in captivity.

  • Insecurity: Gunmen abduct Catholic priest in Kogi state

    A Catholic priest Rev. Fr Christopher Onotu has been kidnapped by unknown gunmen in Kogi state, the state police command has confirmed.

    The priest was kidnapped on Saturday evening by unknown gunmen from his Church in Obangede, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State.

    Kogi state commissioner of police Edward Egbuka has deployed a high power intelligent team to rescue the Priest unhurt.

    It was gathered that the gunmen reportedly made their way into the Church’s vicarage at about 9pm, burgled the window through which they entered the priest’s room and whisked him away to an unknown destination.

    Many members of the church got wind of the information on Sunday morning when they came for sunday service.

    One member of the church who spoke on condition of anonymity said that the abductors also made away with the priest’s car

    In his words “They dropped his two phones but went with the Sim cards.”

    The abduction of Onutu  is one of the many Christian’s clerics happenings  in recent times in the country.

  • Kidnapped Kaduna Catholic Priest regains freedom

    Kidnapped Kaduna Catholic Priest regains freedom

    Rev. Fr. Joseph Shekari, the Catholic Priest of St Monica’s Catholic Church, Ikulu Pari, who was kidnapped on Sunday has been released by his abductors.

    This is contained in a statement on Tuesday, by the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Okolo.

    He said Shekari was released at about 10. 30pm on Monday.

    Okolo thanked everyone who offered prayers for the Priest’s release and prayed God for the repose of the soul of his cook who was killed during the attack.

    He directed all Priests of the Diocese to celebrate Mass of Thanksgiving to God for the quick release of Shekari as well as Mass for the dead for his departed cook.

  • Imo pastor calls self ‘disgrace to body of Christ’ after receiving N1.5m share for kidnapping Catholic priest

    Imo pastor calls self ‘disgrace to body of Christ’ after receiving N1.5m share for kidnapping Catholic priest

    A 35-year-old pastor, Izuchukwu Anoloba has been arrested for kidnapping Fr Fidelis Ekemgba, a Catholic priest in Imo state.

    The pastor while confessing to the crime said he got N1.5 million as his share from the kidnap.

    According to reports, the state Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Hussaini, while parading the suspect disclosed that the victim was in his in captivity until a N5 million ransom was paid.

    Describing himself as a disgrace “to the body of Christ”, Anoloba begged for forgiveness.

    “I am a pastor with Apostolic Church of Christ in Lagos. I got N1.5 million from the kidnap of the priest. I never knew I would be arrested. I regret my actions because I am now a disgrace to the body of Christ and my family.” he said.

    The police said the victim is the priest in charge of St. Peters Catholic Parish in Umunohu Amakaohia in the Ihitte/Uboma Local Government Area of the state.

  • Gunmen kill Catholic priest, abduct another in Katsina church attack

    Gunmen kill Catholic priest, abduct another in Katsina church attack

    Catholic priest, Reverend Father Alphonsus Bello, was killed by gunmen who invaded St.Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church, Malumfashi on Thursday night.

    Another priest, Reverend Father Joe Keke, was abducted.

    His whereabouts were unknown last night.

    In neighbouring Kaduna State, some other gangs killed four persons, injured three and rustled 30 cows.

    The Katsina bandits invaded the church premises at about 11 pm on Thursday and proceeded to the residences of the two priests located in the compound.

    The two priests were rounded up and taken away.

    But while Bello’s body was later found in the town early yesterday, the fate of Keke was not immediately known.

    The incident was confirmed by the Chancellor, Sokoto Diocese, Rev. Fr. Cornelius Tagwai.

    Tagwai in a statement said: “It is with a heavy heart I officially announce the call to eternal rest of Rev. Fr. Alphonsus Yashim Bello, who until his death was a Fidei Donum Priest from Kaduna Archdiocese and the Parish Priest of St Vincent Ferrer’s Parish, Malumfashi, Katsina State.

    “This sad event took place at the early hours of today, Friday, May 21, 2021.

    “The late Fr Bello was kidnapped along with Very Rev Fr. Joseph Keke, the most Senior Priest of Sokoto Diocese, but his lifeless body was later found abandoned behind the CTC, Malumfashi.

    “The whereabouts of Fr Keke is not yet known.

    “May the soul of Fr Bello and the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

    “Kindly join us in prayer for the immediate and safe return of Fr. Keke and for the peaceful repose of Fr Bello.”

    The spokesman for the Katsina police command, SP Gambo Isah, also confirmed the incident, saying: “The incident is true and we are doing all we could to ensure that Reverend father Keke is rescued alive.

    “As for the other priest, Reverend father Bello, our men found the corpse and there was no sign of gunshots on him. He could have died of Axyphesation or shock.

    “We have arrested two suspects in connection with the incident because the gunmen, after entering the large compound, went straight to the residences of the two priests.

    “The Commissioner of Police has directed the Area Commander, Malumfashi to mobilise all resources in the area to ensure that Reverend father Keke is rescued alive.”

    Gunmen have been terrorizing Katsina State for some time, killing and abducting people at will.

    Bandits kill 4, injure 3, rustle cattle in Kaduna

    In neighbouring Kaduna State, bandits killed four persons, injured three and rustled 30 cows, according to Internal Security and Home Affairs Commissioner Samuel Aruwan.

    The commissioner said one gang invaded Zangon Aya town in Igabi Local Government Area and killed two persons identified as Falalu Dari and Sabiu Idris.

    He said some other bandits attacked Rugar Delu, a settlement on the fringes of the town, and rustled about 30 cows belonging to one Delu Bafilata, a herder. Delu sustained gunshot injuries in the chest and was receiving treatment in hospital.

    In another reported incident, the commissioner said bandits invaded Ungwan Murtala in Yakawada, Giwa Local Government Area and shot one Inusa Ibrahim dead.

  • Police speak on kidnap of Catholic priest in Imo State

    Police speak on kidnap of Catholic priest in Imo State

    The Police Commissioner in Imo, Nassiru Mohammed, says he has activated tactical units of the command to rescue Rev. Marcel Onyeocha and arrest his kidnappers.

    The police commissioner, in a statement issued on Sunday by the command’s Spokesman, SP Orlando Ikeokwu, called for calm, assuring that the priest would be rescued.

    Onyeocha, of Mother Theresa of Goldgotha Catholic Church, World Bank, Owerri was kidnapped around Ihube in Okigwe Local Government Area of the state on April 10.

    The statement read: “One Bissong Atugu reported that on April10, at about 7:45 pm., while driving from Enugu to Owerri with a Nissan Exterra SUV, in company with one Rev. Fr. Marcel Onyeocha, the vehicle developed fault around Ihube in Okigwe LGA.

    “As they step down to check the vehicle, a group of people, believed to be Fulani herdsmen, emerged from the bush and inflicted injuries on him, while the priest was kidnapped and taken to an unknown destination.

    “Sequel to the above, the CP has activated all the tactical teams of the command, with a view to rescuing the priest and possibly arresting the culprits.”

    He assured that the command would do everything possible to ensure the rescue of the priest.

  • Killers of Benue Catholic priest will be arrested – Ortom

    Killers of Benue Catholic priest will be arrested – Ortom

    Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue has assured that the killers of Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Ngugban would be arrested and prosecuted.

    Ortom made the promise in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Terver Akase on Wednesday in Makurdi.

    Ngugban, the assistant parish priest of St. Paul Catholic Church, Aye-Twar village in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, was killed on Tuesday inside the Parish house.

    Ortom who condemned the act, assured that the killers of the priest would be brought to justice.

    “I reassure the people of Katsina-Ala and Sankera that the State Government will not relent until those responsible for the killing and other attacks in the area are brought to justice,” he said.

    The governor described the attack as “mindless and wonders why a harmless priest would become the target of armed men.”

    He reaffirmed the resolve of his administration not to handover the state to criminals and urged Benue people to continue to support security operatives with timely and useful information.

    Ortom sympathised with the bereaved family and prayed that God grants the soul of Ngugban eternal rest.

  • Gunmen attack Catholic Church in Benue, kill priest

    Gunmen attack Catholic Church in Benue, kill priest

    Gunmen have killed a Catholic priest Rev. Moses Ngugban in Agu village, Mbatyula/ Mbelev council ward, Katsina/Ala local government area in Benue.

    A statement by Benue Police Public Relation officer (PPRO), Kate Anene, a DSP, confirmed the incident.

    It explained the gunmen stormed the village around 7am on Tuesday.

    According to reports, the gunmen launched an attack on St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Sai, Kastina-Ala LGA and killed the priest.

    Meanwhile the corpse has been deposited at General Hospital Kastsina-Ala while a joint operation by Police and other security agencies is on the trail of the hoodlums.