Seth Udinski, FISM News
Another kidnapping in the chaotic region of Nigeria highlights how those in the church continue to face persecution.
FISM News reported earlier this year that over 100 Christian school students were kidnapped in the region. Though some have been released, it still appears that not all have safely returned home. After a successful negotiation of 187 hostages in Nigeria last week, three Catholic seminary students were taken captive this past week.
The Catholic News Agency reported that three seminary students at the Christ the King Major Seminary in the Kaduna region of Nigeria were taken hostage after criminals attacked the seminary early Monday night. Sources claim the three men were taken captive from the seminary’s chapel.
Fr. Emmanuel Okolo, chancellor of the Diocese of Kafanchan, issued a statement the next day asking for prayer for the abducted students. He said,
We ask for your closeness to us in praying for the quick and safe release of our abducted brothers. Well-wishers of our Institute and Seminary are hereby encouraged to desist from taking the laws into their hands. We would use every legitimate means to ensure their prompt and secure release.
Dr. Thomas Heine-Geldern of Aid to the Church in Need International added a worldwide plea for an awareness of persecution against Christians:
The kidnapping of innocent young seminarians – once again – in Nigeria is an abominable act. We appeal to the conscience of their kidnappers and urge them to release these young people. We ask people of good will to join us in praying that the three seminarians will soon be released unharmed. At the same time, we call on international communities not to look away from the atrocities that occur every day and the ongoing suffering of Christians due to Boko Haram, Fulani attacks and acts of violence by bandits in the whole country.
FISM News will follow this developing story, and pray for the safe release of these three students.