In Nigeria, Muslims kidnap 3 Protestant pastors in two months
Matthew Hassan Kukah, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese in Nigeria. Photo: nigeriannewsleader.com
On November 11, 2024, Christian pastor Emmanuel Azubuike was released after being kidnapped in Imo State, according to the Barnabas Fund.
The clergyman was reportedly abducted by Muslims residing in Imo State on November 5. In this state, the Muslim population outnumbers the Christian population, and conflicts over religious differences are common.
The Barnabas Fund reports that a week before Pastor Emmanuel’s abduction, two other Christian pastors were kidnapped in southern Nigeria.
On October 26, Pastor David Arinze Ajaefob was abducted in Anambra State. Unknown individuals took him to an undisclosed location directly from the church where he served. Pastor David remains in the hands of his captors.
On October 27, Thomas Oyode was kidnapped in Edo State. He offered himself as a hostage in place of two other church members whom the kidnappers intended to take. Thomas Oyode was released on November 7 and is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital.
It is noteworthy that in recent years, Christians in Nigeria have been increasingly targeted by Islamist militants. These crimes most frequently occur in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where the majority of the population is Muslim. Kidnappings are becoming more common, with pastors and church workers suffering the most.
Previously, it was reported that armed individuals in Nigeria had kidnapped the rector of a Catholic seminary.
Read also
Ultra-Orthodox Jews paralyze traffic in Israel over arrest of draft evaders
Ultra-Orthodox demonstrators blocked highways and railway tracks, demanding an end to the arrest of those refusing military service.
Patronal feast celebrated at Kherson cathedral damaged by shelling
Because of damage caused by Russian shelling, the festal Liturgy on the Day of the Holy Spirit was celebrated for the first time in the lower church of the Kherson Eparchy’s cathedral.
Kremenchuk Eparchy comments on situation around Holy Trinity Cathedral
The UOC emphasized that any disputes regarding the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Kremenchuk should be resolved exclusively within the legal framework.
4,000 faithful celebrate patronal feast of Holy Spirit Skete of Pochaiv Lavra
The celebration of the Day of the Holy Spirit brought together pilgrims from across Ukraine at the skete of Pochaiv Lavra.
OCU supporters prepare to seize UOC church in Kolonshchyna
In a village in Kyiv Region, OCU supporters held what parishioners describe as an unlawful meeting to “transfer” a UOC parish, despite the religious community having already reaffirmed its loyalty to its Church.
His Beatitude officiates at Liturgy in Kyiv on Day of the Holy Spirit
At the church complex dedicated to the Icon of the Mother of God “Quick to Hear” in Kyiv, the Primate of the UOC celebrated the festal Liturgy and offered prayers for peace in Ukraine.