Again, bandits abduct catholic priest, nine others in Borno

In a shocking incident, Boko Haram terrorists have abducted a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Daniel Afina, and nine others along the Gwoza-Limankara Road in Borno State.

According to dailypost, the attackers, believed to be Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters, launched the ambush on Saturday, June 7, around 2 p.m.

Fr. Afina, the project coordinator of a Christian NGO, was returning from Mubi, Adamawa State, when the terrorists struck.

He was travelling in a vehicle with two of his staff members at the time of the deadly attack.

Eyewitnesses told Leadership that the militants emerged suddenly from the bush and blocked the highway with logs.

They opened fire, forcing vehicles to stop abruptly and causing panic among travelers.

One of Fr. Afina’s staff members was shot and killed on the spot by the gunmen.

The armed men abducted the priest and nine other persons, dragging them into the Sambisa forest axis.

According to reports, some terrified passengers abandoned their vehicles and fled into the nearby bush for safety.

Fr. Afina was later allowed by the abductors to make a short phone call to his family.

During the call, he confirmed he was alive and in the custody of the terrorists.

His family said they have not heard from him since that single call was made.

They added that no ransom demand has been made by the abductors at this time.

A senior official of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Borno confirmed the attack.

He said one of CAN’s staff members was among the victims killed in the ambush.

He described the situation as tragic and called on the federal government to respond swiftly.

No security agency has released an official statement regarding the abduction as of press time.

The Gwoza-Limankara axis has long been a notorious flashpoint for Boko Haram attacks in Borno State.

Terrorists frequently use that road to kidnap, kill, and extort innocent civilians, aid workers, and religious leaders.

Local residents expressed fear, saying that repeated attacks have left the region traumatized and unprotected.

They accused the military of abandoning key routes and allowing terrorists to operate freely.

Humanitarian agencies have suspended movement in the area pending security clearance.

Church leaders across Nigeria have condemned the abduction and murder, calling it a direct threat to Christianity.

They urged President Bola Tinubu to act decisively and prevent the North-East from sliding into total lawlessness.

Christian groups are mobilizing prayers and support for the safe return of Fr. Afina and others.

This latest abduction adds to the growing list of clergy who have fallen victim to insurgents in Nigeria’s troubled northeast.

As the crisis escalates, Nigerians continue to demand bold action from government forces against terrorism.

The nation now waits anxiously, hoping for the safe release of the priest and the remaining captives.

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