Dicastery for Evangelization decries kidnappings in Nigeria

By Lisa Zengarini

The Vatican Dicastery for Evangelization has expressed its “deepest and heartfelt solidarity” to the Nigerian people, grappling with an ever-escalating kidnapping crisis. Abductions by bandits or insurgents have become a lucrative industry and a major problem in Nigeria, also facing other security challenges, including jihadist insurgency in the north.

Church also targeted 

In a message addressed to Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji of Owerri, the President of the Bishops' Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) , Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect for the Section for the First Evangelization and the new Particular Churches of the Dicastery, and its Secretary Nigerian Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu decried the scourge, recalling that,  “Among those tragically caught in the crossfire of these reprehensible acts are members of the clergy, religious and lay faithful".

The most recent incident involving the Church occurred early in February when two Claretians (Missionaries of the Immaculate Heart of Mary) were abducted in Plateau State by some armed men and released a few days later.

Nothing can justify the evil of kidnapping

 "Nothing can justify the evil of kidnapping", the message reported by Fides Agency emphasized, because "the physical violence and accompanying mental torture that go with kidnapping undermine the pillars of civil and social harmony, as they traumatise the individuals involved, their families and the society in general".

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bishops, clergy and religious, seminarians, the devout members of the Church, all Christians and people of good will across the nation", the message continued, espressing "a deep sense of empathy for the innocent victims of these kidnappings and their families". .

Call on goverment to act swiftly

The heads of the Vatican Dicastery, echoed the Nigerian bishops’ repeated calls on the  Government of Nigeria “to act swiftly in addressing this treat and stemming the looming crisis". "In addition adopting measure to secure lives and properties, the State, with the support of the Church, should seek ways of repositioning the nation on the path of economic growth, political stability, and religious cohesion", it said.

"Our hope is that this Lent will prove spiritually fruitful for each believer and every ecclesial community in Nigeria. May the Lord bless you and may Mary Queen and Patroness of Nigeria keep you", the message concluded.

Nearly 4,000 kidnappings in Nigeria since May 2023

Nigeria has recorded nearly 4,000 kidnappings since newly elected President Bola Ahmed Tinubu  took office in May 2023. In some cases hostages have been killed because the ransom was not paid.   

Even the capital, Abuja is not spared by the scourge. On its outskirts  a father and his six daughters were kidnapped on 2 January, prompting a rare outcry on high.  Ransom was payed, but the kidnappers instead killed one of the girls and demanded more cash.