By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
ABUJA (Worthy News) - Christians in central Nigeria prayed Friday for another priest abducted by suspected Islamic gunmen as kidnappings of clergy continue throughout the country.
Catholics confirmed the abduction of Peter Amodo, priest of the Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Eke-Olengbencho in the Okpokwu local government area in Nigeria’s Benue State.
Amodo was kidnapped late Tuesday while on his way to celebrate Mass, said priest Joseph Aboyi Itodo, the regional, diocesan chancellor, in a statement.
The bishop of the diocese, Michael Apochi, urges the Christian faithful in the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo and beyond “to earnestly pray for his quick and safe release.”
It was the latest in a series of kidnappings of clergy and other Christians in recent days. Suspected Islamic fighters also kidnapped a Catholic priest in Nigeria’s northern Kaduna State early Monday after another priest was killed, Catholic sources confirmed.
Emmanuel Silas of the St. Charles Catholic Church in Zambina town in the state’s Kauru Local Government Area was abducted before he was to appear at a morning Mass, his church said.
GREAT PAIN
“It is with great pain that we announce to you the kidnapping of our priest,” said priest Emmanuel Okolo, the chancellor of the regional Kafanchan Catholic Diocese. He said the priest was abducted from the parish rectory of the church in the early hours of the day
Silas’ kidnapping case was less than a week after the body of the slain Vitus Borogo, also a Catholic priest was found. Suspected Islamic gunmen killed him on his farm on June 25, his church confirmed.
His abductors also kidnaped his brother CY Borogo, Nigerian media reported, but his whereabouts remain unclear.
The abductions of clergy and other Christians sparked anger, with Catholics protesting against the “deteriorating” security here and across the country.
Last year, thousands of Christians were killed in Nigeria, and this year massacres continue, several church groups, say.
Predominantly Islamic fighters, including crime groups known locally as “bandits,” have become increasingly active in Nigeria, kidnapping and killing Christians.