Father Paul Sanogo and the 27-year-old Tanzanian seminarian Melchior Mahinini, were kidnapped by bandits in the early hours of August 3, 2023, at the priest’s residence in Gyedna, Niger State, Nigeria.
Newsroom (08/08/2023 17:27, Gaudium Press) Bishop Martins Igwe Uzoukwu of Minna, Nigeria, has issued a heartfelt prayer request to all parishes in Niger state for the safe release of Father Paul Sanago and seminarian Melchior Mahinini, who were abducted by bandits in the early hours of August 3.
In a statement, the Nigerian Catholic bishop expressed, “On behalf of my auxiliary bishop Sylvester Luka Gopep, and the priests and religious of the Catholic diocese of Minna, I ask for your prayers for Father Paul Sanogo and the 27-year-old Tanzanian seminarian Melchior Mahinini, who were kidnapped by gunmen in the early hours of August 3, 2023, at the priest’s residence in Gyedna, Niger state. We pray that the Lord will hear our prayers and that they will be returned in peace.”
Both individuals were involved in pastoral work at St. Luke’s Church in Gyedna.
Father Paul Sanogo hails from Burkina Faso and belongs to the Congregation of the Missionaries of Africa, commonly known as the White Fathers. The Tanzanian seminarian, Melkiori Dominick Mahinini, came to Nigeria to undertake a missionary experience with the White Fathers before continuing his theological studies.
The Congregation of the White Fathers, established by Cardinal Charles Lavigerie in 1868, consists of priests and brothers committed to a prophetic mission of encounter and witnessing God’s love in the African context.
Boko Haram and the violence in Nigeria
Nigeria’s security has been deeply challenged since 2009 due to the Boko Haram insurgency, which aims to establish an Islamic state. This group, one of Africa’s largest Islamist organizations, has orchestrated widespread terrorist attacks against diverse targets, including religious, political groups, and civilians.
The security situation in the nation has been further exacerbated by the involvement of predominantly Muslim Fulani herdsmen, also known as the Fulani Militia.
In response to the double kidnapping, a police spokesperson emphasized that other seminarians in the area have been advised to temporarily relocate while the search for the abducted individuals is underway.
Bishop Gervas Nyaisonga, the president of the Episcopal Conference of Tanzania, expressed deep disappointment over the cruel kidnapping incident. He emphasized the significance of upholding human rights principles and diplomatic endeavors to secure the unconditional release of the kidnapped individuals. Bishop Nyaisonga stressed that the Church prays fervently for their liberation.
With information from aciafrique
Compiled by Carlos Ruiz
