Kidnapped priest Sylvester Okechukwu has been released by his captors in anti-Christian Nigeria.
Joey Kariveli, Vatican City
Pastor Sylvester Okechukwu, who was abducted on the 20th (20/12/22) in the African country of Nigeria, has been released by his captors.
Kafanchan Diocese of Annadu revealed that he was released on Friday the 23rd (23/12/22).
But the incidents of abducting priests in that country are continuing. Diocesan sources disclosed that the priest Christopher Ojide of Umuahia Diocese was abducted by unknown persons on the 17th (17/12/22). Also, on the 22nd (22/12/22), a priest named Mark Oyotho of the Diocese of Yamikkupo was also abducted by unknown persons.
In an interview granted to the Vatican news agency, Reverend Gabriel Okafor, the Head of Communications of the Diocese of Kafanchan, disclosed that Nigeria is going to hold elections in 2023 and every time the elections draw nearer, this kind of tension is created. He said that politicians are arming the youth with the aim of creating conflict. Father Okafor, while explaining the reason for the abduction of priests, disclosed that armed men target priests because they are the people’s dependants. More than 20 priests have been kidnapped and some killed in Nigeria this year.
