The Catholic Church in Enugu has confirmed the abduction of Reverend Father Marcellinus Okide by gunmen, suspected to be Fulani herdsmen.
This comes barely 24 hours after a middle-aged man was killed and several others kidnapped in Enugu State on Saturday.
Fr Okide, a Parish priest of St. Mary’s Catholic church Amofia-Agu Affa in Udi local government area of Enugu State, was reportedly kidnapped on Sunday evening around 5:00 pm along Eke-Affa-Egede Road while returning to his Parish.
The Diocesan Communication Director, Rev. Fr. Anthony Aneke, who confirmed his abduction in a statement, called on Christians to pray for his safety.
He lamented the upsurge in insecurity in the state, South East, and the entire country and called oo both the security agencies and the government to ensure the security of Nigerians at all times.
The statement partly read, “In a troubling incident, Rev. Fr. Marcellinus Obioma Okide, a Catholic priest, was abducted on September 17, 2023, at approximately 5:00 p.m. while traveling along the Eke-Egede-Affa Road in Nigeria. Fr. Okide, who serves at St. Mary Amofia-Agu Affa Parish, was en route to his parish when the unfortunate incident occurred.
“The diocese has issued a fervent appeal to the faithful and the public at large for prayers, hoping for the swift and safe release of Fr. Okide. Additionally, they are calling for a change of heart on the part of the kidnappers. This distressing event highlights the ongoing challenge of kidnappings in the region.
“Rev. Fr. Wilfred Chidi Agubuchie, the Diocesan Chancellor and Secretary, issued the plea, invoking the Lord’s intervention to free Fr. Okide from the clutches of his captors and to safeguard the nation of Nigeria. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the security issues plaguing the country, and the need for concerted efforts to address them.”
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