Islamists in Nigeria kill five abducted Catholics

Catholic Archdiocese of Kaduna. Photo: Facebook

On July 7, Nigeria confirmed the deaths of five Catholics abducted during an attack on Christian communities in Kaduna State, Fides reports.

Among those killed was Victor Paul – a catechist and church instructor who helped priests teach the faith to children and adults and prepare parishioners for life in the community. He was kidnapped on February 9 during an attack on the villages of Kutaho and Kugur in Kagarko County.

Together with Victor Paul, militants abducted his pregnant wife, young son, and about 30 other residents. It later emerged that the catechist’s son had been killed, while Victor Paul himself was brutally tortured in captivity, starved, and left to die.

Some of the abducted were eventually freed. On April 5, 11 women and children were released, including the catechist’s wife. Another nine men were freed on May 1, and the last four surviving hostages returned on June 30.

The Archdiocese of Kaduna said the Church gives thanks to God for the release of the survivors, but mourns those who did not return alive. According to Fides, Kaduna State authorities and police had not officially commented on the hostages’ deaths at the time of publication.

As the UOJ previously reported, terrorists in Nigeria killed more than 20 Christians in a single night.

Read also