The Catholic Bishop of Umuahia Diocese in Abia State, Michael Kalu Ukpong, has urged the faithful of the Diocese to be prayerful and remain calm following the abduction of one of the priests of the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Christopher Ogide.
According to Vatican News, the Diocesan Chancellor, Fr. Henry Maduka, said the Associate Priest of Maria Assumpta Parish, Umuopara, was abducted at the gate of the parish house as he was about to drive out to buy fuel.
According to Bishop Ukpong, the kidnappers had not yet established contact with the diocese.
The Bishop, nonetheless, urged the Catholic faithful to pray for the release and safe return of Fr. Ogide.
Concern for one’s personal security in Nigeria has become a major concern.
The proliferation of armed groups motivated by religious reasons, bandits and unidentified armed groups are often mentioned for the rising attacks.
Lucrative ransom money is also fueling what has essentially become a kidnapping industry in Nigeria.