On 1 February, two priests were abducted from a parish rectory in Nigeria. The priests belong to the Congregation of Missionaries Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (also known as the Claretians).
In a statement issued on 2 February, Father Dominic Ukpong, the provincial secretary of the congregation, announced with “sadness” the abduction of Father Kenneth Kanwa and Father Jude Nwachukwu.
Kanwa, the parish priest of St. Vincent de Paul Fier Parish in the Diocese of Pankshin, and Nwachukwu, his assistant, were abducted “at the parish rectory on the night of Thursday, 1 February”.
Ukpong appealed for spiritual solidarity, saying: “We solicit your prayers at this challenging time for their safety and quick release from captivity.”
“May the Most Blessed Virgin Mary intercede for the sons of her Immaculate Heart. Amen,” he implored.
Nigeria has been battling a surge of violence orchestrated by gangs whose members carry out indiscriminate attacks, kidnapping for ransom, and in some cases, killing.