The kidnapping of Father Godfrey adds to the list of priests kidnapped and then released in Africa’s most populous nation, which has suffered a wave of insecurity since 2009.
Newsroom – Nigeria – Abuja (October 26, 2021, 11:45 AM, Gaudium Press) Last Saturday, October 23, the Bishop of Umuahia, Bishop Lucius Iwejáru Ugorji, announced the release of Father Mark Chimezie Godfrey, who had been kidnapped on October 13.
According to the prelate, the Catholic priest was released without having suffered any kind of violence. The fact that he has returned safely to the diocese is God’s answer to our prayers,” he said.
Bishop’s gratitude
“I am happy to announce that one of my priests, Father Mark Chimezie Godfrey, who was kidnapped on October 13, 2021, regained his freedom today after ten days of captivity,” said the Bishop of Umuahia.
Bishop Lucius thanked the faithful who prayed and also God for answering those prayers. “I take this opportunity to express our deep gratitude to all the Bishops, priests, consecrated men and women and all Christ’s faithful who helped us with their prayers during the difficult and painful period of their captivity,” he concluded.
Series of kidnappings of Catholic priests in Nigeria
The kidnapping of Father Godfrey adds to the list of priests kidnapped and then released in Africa’s most populous nation, which has suffered a wave of insecurity since 2009, with the insurgency of the terrorist group Boko Haram, which aims to turn the country into an Islamic state. (EPC)
Compiled by Zephania Gangl
