Nigeria: more priests kidnapped
The case of Father Thomas Oyode
It’s Sunday, October 27, 2024. At around 7pm, gunmen attacked the Immaculate Conception minor seminary in Agenegabode, in south-western Nigeria. Hearing the shots, Father Thomas Oyode, rector of the seminary, went out into the courtyard. He saw that two of his students were about to be abducted. Showing remarkable courage, he doesn’t hesitate to volunteer in their place, pleading with the assailants. They accepted his request, released the students and left with Father Oyode. After numerous appeals, Father Thomas Oyode was finally released after 11 days in captivity. He is currently under observation in hospital for check-ups.
A growing list
There are also reports of the abduction of other priests: Father Emmanuel Azubuike, abducted on November 5 in Imo State, and Father Christian Uchegbu, from the diocese of Orlu, on November 6, on his way back from Port Harcourt, in the Niger Delta region.
These cases belong to the long list of priests abducted in Nigeria.
While some of them have been released, even today we would still be without news of others, such as Father Gabriel Oyaka, a Nigerian priest of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, who was kidnapped on November 7, 2015, on the road to Abuja. Or Father John Bako Shekwolo, abducted from his home in Kaduna state on March 25, 2019 and taken to an unknown destination.
A context of insecurity
Nigeria, despite being a country rich in resources and with a highly dynamic population, faces the challenges of violence and insecurity. Kidnappings, often perpetrated by armed groups, have become commonplace in many regions. Along with the priests, schools are also vulnerable targets. This climate of insecurity weighs heavily on students and teachers, who live in constant fear of attacks.
State powerlessness
Faced with the resurgence of these acts of banditry and attacks, the State is unable to deal with the situation, despite the incessant appeals of the population.
Given this powerlessness, some avenues could be explore. The creation of partnerships with the security forces, increased patrols in sensitive areas, and educating young people about security measures are all avenues to consider. It is essential to guarantee a safe environment, so that everyone can concentrate on their activities without fearing for their lives.
A call to responsibility
As Nigeria continues to struggle with insecurity, this is the time to call on everyone to take responsibility: to act, to protect and to promote peace in our communities.
Let us pray for all victims of violence…
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