Kidnappings of priests and religious by armed groups have become commonplace.

Nigeria – Abuja (July 8, 2021 – 5:50 PM, Gaudium Press) – Fr. Elijah Juma Wada is a missionary at Buma parish in Shani, Maiduguri Diocese, Nigeria. On June 30, he was kidnapped while on his way to a Thanksgiving Mass for the tenth anniversary of a friend’s ordination in neighbouring Daimaturu.

“Please join us in prayer for the quick and safe release of Fr. Elijah Juma Wada”, his friend Fr John Bakeni requested in an interview with ICA Africa news agency.

Religious persecution in Nigeria

Father Elijah is yet another victim of the recurrent kidnappings of Catholic priests and religious in Nigeria. The incident was confirmed to Agenzia Fides by Most Rev. Oliver Dashe Doeme, Bishop of Maiduguri. The kidnappers seem to be part of the jihadist group Boko Haram.

Kidnappings of priests and religious by armed groups have become a common phenomenon in the country. In most cases, the goal is extortion directed to family members and institutions. Nigeria’s atmosphere of insecurity and danger has led the local bishops to petition the government to declare a state of emergency. (EPC)

Compiled by Gustavo Kralj