The Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Zaria, Patrick Adikwu Odeh in a statement, confirmed the kidnapping and urged the faithful to pray for the release of all hostages.
Gaudium Press English Edition
Newsdesk (29/03/2022 15:26, Gaudium Press) Father Felix Zakari of St Ann’s Church, Zango Tama Parish in Kaduna state, was kidnapped by bandits during the early hours of last Friday, March 25th.
At the time of the attack, the terrorists left more than 50 people dead and kidnapped around 100 people, among them the Catholic priest. The Catholic church was also the target of the enraged attack by the armed group, which tore down the building and also attacked the following villages: Dillalai, Zango Tama, Kaya, Barebari, Anguwan Bakko, Gidan Alhajin Kida, Kadanya and Durumi.
Kidnapping was confirmed by the Diocese of Zaria
The Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Zaria, Patrick Adikwu Odeh,in a statement, confirmed the kidnapping and urged the faithful to pray for the release of all hostages. “We regret to announce and officially confirm the kidnapping of one of our priests, the Most Reverend Father Felix Zakari Fidson shortly after leaving his residence at St Ann’s Zango Tama on his way to the Diocesan Seat on Thursday,” he explained.
“We ask all men and women of good will to pray for the safe release of Father Felix Zakari Fidson and others from the hands of their kidnappers on this day of the Solemnity of the Annunciation. Through the intercession of Our Lady, Mother of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and our Mother, may our brother, Most Reverend Father Felix Zakari Fidson, and the others return to us safe and sound,” the note concluded.
Wave of Kidnappings in Nigeria
Although no ransom has been demanded so far, it has become commonplace in Kaduna State and other parts of Nigeria for terrorists to kidnap large groups of civilians as a source of funding. Father Fidson’s kidnapping is just the latest in a seemingly endless stream of violence against Christians in Nigeria.
Just earlier this month, March 8th, terrorists kidnapped Father Joseph Akete Bako, Pastor of St. John’s Catholic Church in Kudenda, also in Kaduna State, and to date he remains in the hands of his kidnappers. (EPC)
Compiled by Roberta MacEwan
