Nigeria: Three kidnapped seminarians freed in Kaduna

By Vatican News staff writer

Three Catholic seminarians who were abducted on Monday night from the Christ the King Major Seminary, Fayit Fadan Kagoma, in Nigeria’s Kaduna state have been released.

Confirming their release in a statement on Wednesday, the Chancellor of Kafanchan diocese, Fr. Emmanuel Uchechukwu Okolo announced that “barely 48 hours after their kidnap, our beloved brothers were released by their abductors.”

Fr. Okolo expressed gratitude to “all those who have offered prayers and entreaties for the quick release of our Seminarians and others who are still in the dens of their kidnappers” in the statement.

He also invited priests to celebrate a Mass of thanksgiving to God on Thursday for the quick and safe release of the seminarians.

Kidnapped from the Seminary

The three seminarians, who were pursuing their studies in Theology were abducted from the Seminary’s chapel on 11 October during an attack by unknown armed persons.

Six seminarians suffered varying degrees of injuries during the attack and were taken to a hospital in Kafanchan for medical attention. The injured were treated and have been discharged after being confirmed to be stable.

Christ the King Seminary is domiciled within the St. Albert Institute where the seminarians receive academic formation. The Seminary houses more than 130 seminarians preparing for the Catholic priesthood and their formators.

Kidnappings in Nigeria have increased in frequency in recent times and have been a source of concern for the country’s government. In several instances, the kidnappers demand ransoms in exchange for the release of the persons in their custody.  The situation has prompted several Church leaders to make repeated appeals to government to prioritize the security of its citizens.