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  • Another Catholic Priest Shot Dead in Edo

    Gunmen kill Catholic priest in Edo
    A priest under the Archdiocese of Benin City, Rev. Fr. Charles Onomhoale Igechi, has been shot dead by gunmen in Edo state

    It was gathered that the priest was killed on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, along the Agbor Road, Bypass area in Ikhueniro axis of Benin, while on his way to his place of assignment.

    The late priest was ordained on the 13th of August 2022 and was until his death, the Vice Principal of St. Michael College, Ikhueniro.

    A Reverend father within the Benin Archdiocese, who confirmed the incident, said nobody was with the priest when he was killed by gunmen.

    His corpse bore bullet holes when he was found,” he said.

    The Catholic Archbishop of Benin City, Augustine Akubeze, who confirmed the sad news in a statement on Thursday, June 8, said that the incident had been reported to the police and expressed hope that justice would be served on the perpetrators of the illegal act.

    The statement said his remains were found by Boundary Street in Ikpoba Hill, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, Edo State.

    “With deep sadness and sorrow in our hearts, we wish to inform you of the death of one of our priests in the Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Charles Onomhoale Igechi, who was ordained on the 13 of August 2022 and who until his death was the Vice Principal of St. Michael College, Ikhueniro,” the sttement read.

    “With great shock, we received the news this morning that he was shot on his way back to his place of assignment, on the 7th of June, 2023 and his remains were found by Boundary Street in Ikpoba Hill, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, Edo State.

    “We, therefore, wish to solicit your prayers for the happy repose of his soul. I kindly wish to use this medium to inform all priests that there shall be a Mass for the peaceful repose of Rev. Fr. Charlies Onomhoale Igechi, on June 9, 2023, at the Bishop Kelly Pastoral Centre’s Chapel at 10:00 am.

    “I entrust you all to the maternal intercession of our Lady of Sorrow. May God continue to guide and protect all the faithful in the Archdiocese of Benin City and may the soul of Rev. Fr. Charles Igechi find peace and tranquillity in the loving embrace of our risen Saviour. Amen.”

  • Bandits burn Catholic priest to death in Niger State

    Bandits burn Catholic priest to death in Niger State

    The parish priest of St. Peters and Paul Catholic Church in Kafin-koro in Paikoro Local Government Area of Niger State, Rev Father Isaac Achi, has been burnt to death by armed bandits.

    It was gathered that the bandits who invaded his residence at 3 am on Sunday, January 15, 2023, also injured his colleague identified as Father Collins.

    The terrorists were said to have attempted to gain entrance into the catholic parish house and in the course of having difficulty in gaining entrance set the parish house ablaze, and waited until it burnt to ashes with him in it.

    Father Collins was shot on the shoulder while trying to escape from the scene.

    Spokesperson of the Niger Police Command, DSP Abiodun Wasiu, who confirmed the incident, said effort is ongoing to apprehend the assailants.

    “On 15/01/2023 at about 0300hrs, armed bandits invaded the Parish residence of one Rev. Father Isaac Achi of St. Peters and Paul Catholic Church, along Daza road, Kafin-Koro, Paikoro LGA,” the statement read.

    “Unfortunately, the bandits reportedly attempted to gain entrance into the residence, but seemed difficult and set the house ablaze, while the said Rev. Father was burnt dead.

    “A colleague of the Rev. Father identified as Father Collins was equally shot in the shoulder while trying to escape from the scene. Police tactical teams attached to Kafin-Koro Div were immediately drafted to the scene, but the hoodlums had escaped before the arrival of the teams

    “The lifeless body of Father Isaac was recovered while Father Collins was rushed to the hospital for treatment.

    “The Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command CP Ogundele Ayodeji had dispatched a reinforcement team to the area and effort is ongoing to apprehend the assailants as investigation into the unfortunate attack has commenced.”

  • Abducted Catholic Priest found dead in Kaduna, CAN reacts

    Abducted Catholic Priest found dead in Kaduna, CAN reacts

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna State chapter, has described the gruesome murder of Rev. Fr. John Mark Cheitnum by terrorists as a dangerous terrain for Christian leaders.

    Recall that Fr. John Mark was abducted from the rectory of Christ the King Parish YadinGaru, Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was brutally killed by his abductors on the same day of his abduction, Friday, 15 July, 2022.

    Rev. John Joseph Hayab, CAN state chairman in Kaduna expressed sadness while reacting to the killing of one of the priests, Very Rev. Fr. John Mark Cheitnum, who until his death, was the CAN Chairman of Jema’a Local Government Area of the state, as well as coordinator of CAN in Southern Kaduna.

    According to Rev. Hayab, “Kaduna State is a dangerous place to travel through and not safe, particularly for Christian leaders.”

    Meanwhile, the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, in a statement issued by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Uchechukwu Okolo, the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, confirmed the murder of Very Rev. Fr. John Mark Cheitnum.

    The statement announced that Rev. Fr. Donatus Cleophas, who was also kidnapped by the terrorists, escaped from their abductors.

    The statement explained, “Sequel to the announcement of the two kidnapped priests from our diocese, we wish to announce that Rev. Fr. Donatus Cleophas escaped from his abductors and has reunited with us.”

    It added, “However, it is with a deep sense of sorrow and pains that the bishop, clergy, religious and laity of the Diocese of Kafanchan announced the gruesome murder of Very Rev. Fr. John Mark Cheitnum.”

    According to the statement titled, “Re: Kidnapped priests of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan”, the statement further explained that his corpse was later discovered decomposing on Tuesday, July 15, 2022.

    It explained that until his demise, he was the CAN Chairman, Jama’a LGA as well as the Coordinating Chairman of CAN, Southern Kaduna, stressing that Rev. Fr. John Mark Cheitnum was the Dean of Kwoi Deanery, Director of Communications in the Diocese of Kafanchan and the Pastor of St. James Parish Fori, Jama’a local government area of Kaduna State.

    The Diocese has, however, declared a two-day mourning for peaceful repose of his soul and the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.

  • BREAKING: Gunmen Kidnap Another Catholic Priest In Kaduna

    BREAKING: Gunmen Kidnap Another Catholic Priest In Kaduna

    Another priest of the Catholic Church, has been kidnapped by bandits in Kauru local government area of Kaduna State.

    The victim, Reverend Father Emmanuel Silas was kidnapped from the parish rectory of Saint Charles Catholic Church, Zambina in Kauru Local Government within the early hours of Monday.

    The incident comes less than two weeks after the priest in charge of the Kaduna Polytechnic Catholic community, Reverend Father Vitus Borogo was killed on his farm at Kujama in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    The police are yet to comment on the development, but the Chancellor of Kafanchan Catholic Diocese , Reverend Father Emmanuel Okolo, confirmed the incident, saying that they were able to know about the incident when the priest did not show up for the early morning mass on Monday.

    He, however, solicits the prayers for the immediate and safe release of the Kidnapped priest, saying that the Catholic Community will use all available legal means to ensure the release of the kidnapped Reverend Father.

  • Another Catholic Priest Murdered In Kaduna

    Another Catholic Priest Murdered In Kaduna

    A Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Kaduna, Reverend Father Vitus Borogo, has been killed by bandits in Chikun Local Government Area of the state.

    The victim until his murder was the Chaplain of the Catholic Community of the Kaduna State Polytechnic, and the Chairman of the Nigerian Catholic Diocesan Priests Association (NCDPA), Kaduna State Chapter.

    Although the police authorities have yet to confirm the incident or give details about the attack, the Chancellor of Kaduna Catholic Archdiocese, Reverend Father Christian Okewu, said in a statement, that Father Borogo was killed on Saturday at the Nigerian Prison Farm in Kujama along the Kaduna-Kachia Road in Chikun LGA.

    In reaction to the incident, the Catholic Archbishop of Kaduna Archdiocese, Most Reverend Matthew Ndagoso, condoled with the immediate family, the NFCS Family of Kaduna Polytechnic, and the entire Kaduna Polytechnic Community. He assured them of his fraternal closeness and prayers.

    Details of the funeral arrangement for the murdered priest will be announced as soon as possible, according to the Archbishop.

    He called for prayers for the peaceful repose of his soul and consolation for his bereaved family.

    Reverend Father Borogo is the second Catholic priest that has died at the hands of bandits in Chikun LGA of Kaduna in the past two months.

    In May, another priest, Father Joseph Bako, had died in the custody of bandits who abducted him on March 8, from his pastoral residence of Saint John’s Catholic Church, Kudenda also in Chikun LGA.

    The Archdiocese of Kaduna said Father Bako, who died eight weeks after his abduction, was ill before the bandits took him and held him without giving him access to his medication and proper medical care.

  • Abducted Catholic Priest Shot Dead in Edo State

    Abducted Catholic Priest Shot Dead in Edo State

    Rev. Fr. Christopher Odia, who was kidnapped at his residence in Ikabigbo community, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, on Sunday morning, has been killed.

    Confirming his death, Fr. Peter Egielewa, Director of Social Communications Catholic Diocese of Auchi, said Odia was 41 years old.

    ]”With heavy hearts but with total submission to the will of God, we announce the death of our priest Rev. Fr. Christopher Odia, who was killed by his abductors after being kidnapped this morning 26th June 2022 at about 6.30am in his rectory while coming out to go for Sunday Mass at St. Michael Catholic Church Ikabigbo, Uzairue, Edo State”

    Until his death, Fr Odia was the Administrator of St Michael Catholic Church, Ikabigbo and also the Principal of St. Philip Catholic Secondary School Jattu.

  • Gunmen abduct Catholic Priest in Jos

    Gunmen abduct Catholic Priest in Jos

    Gunmen have abducted Rev. Fr. James Kantoma, the Parish priest of St. Anthony Catholic Church, Angware, Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau.

    DSP Alabo Alfred, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, confirmed the abduction to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Jos.

    Alfred said that Kantoma, who is also the chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the local government, was kidnapped on Sunday night at the church’s vicarage.

    He said the command has deployed officers and men from the anti-kidnapping unit to the community.

    “Our men are already working to ensure that the cleric regains his freedom and apprehend those behind the abduction,” the PPRO said.

    Speaking, Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo, the Chairman of CAN in the state, described the incident as ”unfortunate and sad.”

    “Since the gunmen took the priest away, we have not heard anything either from him or the abductors.

    ”This is so sad, but we are praying for him that no harm will befall him wherever he is,” he said.

    Lubo, however, called on government and security agencies to ensure the safe return of the abducted priest and others in captivity

  • 2023: Suspended Catholic Priest Wins APC Guber ticket in Benue

    2023: Suspended Catholic Priest Wins APC Guber ticket in Benue

    Hyacinth Alia, a suspended priest in the Catholic diocese of Gboko, has won the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue state.

    Alia was suspended by the church after his declaration. He was relieved of his priestly duties temporarily on the grounds of the canon laws of the Catholic church.

    The priest won after polling a high number of votes at the primary election that was held on Friday.

    The APC in Benue opted for direct primary to pick its governorship candidate, which means members of the party in the state voted for their preferred choice.

    He contested the party’s ticket with Barnabas Gemade, a former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Mike Aondoakaa, a former attorney-general of the federation (AGF).

    The priest polled over 7,000 votes to clinch the party’s ticket.

    In some of the LGAs, Gemade and Aondoakaa failed to get a single vote.

    The priest said he joined the governorship race to rescue Benue people from the “shackles of maladministration”.

    “From the day I took the decision to answer the overwhelming calls of my people to contest the governorship of Benue with the aim to rescue our people from the shackles of maladministration, I was fully aware of the sacrifice I was going to make,” he had said.

  • Catholic Church Suspends Priest for Joining 2023 Guber Race

    Catholic Church Suspends Priest for Joining 2023 Guber Race

    The Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Gboko, the Most Reverend William Avenya, has suspended a priest, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, from public ministry for getting involved in partisan politics.

    The priest is a Benue State governorship contender on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

    His suspension was contained in a letter to all Priests, Religious and Laity, Catholic Diocese of Gboko, dated May 20, 2023 and signed by the Bishop. It is titled, ‘Suspension of Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia from Sacred Ministry.’

    Part of the letter read: “I write to communicate to you the suspension of my priest, Revd. Fr. Hyacinth lormem Alia from public ministry after series of admonitions to him.

    “The Mother Church does not allow her clerics to get involved in partisan politics on their own. You are aware that my son, your brother and your priest has purchased the party forms to contest for the Office of the Governor of Benue State under the All Progressives’ Congress (APC), which is totally against our vocation.

    “Therefore, to respond to the spiritual and pastoral needs of the Church in the Catholic Diocese of Gboko, I have suspended him from the exercise of sacred ministry.

    “This canonical suspension takes effect from the moment it is communicated to him and lasts until he ceases from contumacy.”

    Reacting to the suspension of the priest, the Head of Media and Publicity, Alia 2023 Gubernatorial Organization, Mr. Kula Tersoo, in a statement, described the development as ‘a normal practice of the church’.

  • A’Ibom Police confirm release of Abducted Catholic priest

    A’Ibom Police confirm release of Abducted Catholic priest

    The Police in Akwa Ibom has confirmed the release of a Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr Alphonsus Uboh, abducted in his St Pius X Parish, Ikot Abasi Akpancompound, Mkpat Enin Local Council last Sunday.

    A statement from the State Police Public Relations Officer, Odiko Macdon confirming the release however condenmed the spate of kidnapping in the State in recent times and warned perpetuators of the readiness of Police to flush them out.

    “The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State, CP Andrew Amiengheme, FDC, welcome the gesture but is still miffed at the Kidnapping act ab initio. He condemned the dastardly act and wish to send a strong warning to perpetrators that ” enough is enough or get ready to dance.” The statement warned.

    Parish sources who spoke on condition of anonymity disclosed that the priest was released early morning of Thursday but did not disclose if ransom was paid.

    Uboh was kidnapped last Sunday evening at his residence shortly after he returned from visiting a sick member.

    Earlier, the Catholic Secretariat in Uyo had called for intense prayers from faithfuls from within and outside the Diocese of Uyo in the last 24 hours for his quick release.

    A statement issued by the Diocesan Chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Charles Ekeng had expressed the deep feelings of the Diocese over the abduction of the priest.