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The death of another priest in northern Nigeria has prompted a Catholic leader to demand authorities take decisive action to address the widespread kidnapping and murder of Church members in the West African country.
Bishop Julius Yakubu Kundi of Kafanchan says there has been at least one violent death in his diocese every year since 2021, reports Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN). It comes amid mounting concerns about spiralling anti-Christian persecution across the vast contingent, much of which is not being reported on by mainstream media.
The bishop spoke out following the abduction of Father Sylvester Okechukwu from his home in Tachira, Kaduna State, on the evening of Ash Wednesday, 4 March.
He was found dead in the early hours of the following day. It is still unclear why his kidnappers murdered him, ACN reports.
“The diocese is engulfed in anguish, and the land is heavy with anger,” Bishop Kundi said. “How long shall our pastors and brethren be hunted like prey? How long shall our places of worship become grounds for fear instead of sanctuaries of hope?”
He repeated the call that he made at a press conference on 7 March for Nigerian authorities to act swiftly to ensure security in Kaduna State.
“We demand that the government and security agencies take immediate and decisive action to bring the perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice,” the prelate said. “The blood of Father Sylvester Okechukwu and all other innocent souls cries out for justice.”
Continued below.
thecatholicherald.com
Bishop Julius Yakubu Kundi of Kafanchan says there has been at least one violent death in his diocese every year since 2021, reports Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN). It comes amid mounting concerns about spiralling anti-Christian persecution across the vast contingent, much of which is not being reported on by mainstream media.
The bishop spoke out following the abduction of Father Sylvester Okechukwu from his home in Tachira, Kaduna State, on the evening of Ash Wednesday, 4 March.
He was found dead in the early hours of the following day. It is still unclear why his kidnappers murdered him, ACN reports.
“The diocese is engulfed in anguish, and the land is heavy with anger,” Bishop Kundi said. “How long shall our pastors and brethren be hunted like prey? How long shall our places of worship become grounds for fear instead of sanctuaries of hope?”
He repeated the call that he made at a press conference on 7 March for Nigerian authorities to act swiftly to ensure security in Kaduna State.
“We demand that the government and security agencies take immediate and decisive action to bring the perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice,” the prelate said. “The blood of Father Sylvester Okechukwu and all other innocent souls cries out for justice.”
Continued below.
Another kidnapped priest killed in Nigeria; nearly 150 clergy seized in last 10 years - Catholic Herald
The death of another priest in northern Nigeria has prompted a Catholic leader to demand authorities take decisive action to address the widespread kidnapping and murder of Church members in the West African country. Bishop Julius Yakubu Kundi of Kafanchan says there has been at least one...
thecatholicherald.com
