Nigerian priest abducted by extremists in Borno State

DDM News

A Nigerian Catholic priest, Rev. Alphonsus Afina, has been abducted by extremists in Borno State, northeastern Nigeria.

The incident occurred on June 1 near Gwoza, close to the Cameroon border, Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports.

Rev. Afina was travelling from Mubi to Maiduguri for a church workshop when the attack happened.

Church officials confirmed that the priest had recently returned to Nigeria from the United States.

According to reports, the convoy he travelled with was ambushed while waiting at a military checkpoint.

Bishop John Bogna Bakeni of Maiduguri Diocese said Boko Haram militants carried out the attack.

A rocket-propelled grenade hit one of the vehicles in the convoy, causing casualties.

One person was killed in the attack, and several others sustained injuries.

The exact number of abducted individuals remains unknown at this time.

Rev. Afina is among several travellers reportedly taken by the insurgents during the ambush.

Bishop Bakeni spoke to Rev. Afina by phone the day after the abduction.

He confirmed that the priest sounded “OK” and was “in good spirits” despite being exhausted.

Authorities have yet to issue any public statements about the incident or begin rescue operations.

The silence from Nigerian security agencies has raised concern among the public and religious communities.

Rev. Robert Fath, vicar general of the Diocese of Fairbanks, also confirmed the abduction.

He stated that Boko Haram contacted him directly and confirmed they are holding Rev. Afina.

Rev. Afina served in Alaska from 2017 to 2024 before returning to Nigeria this year.

He resumed ministry in Nigeria with the Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC).

JDPC is a Catholic organization focused on justice, peacebuilding, and ommunity development initiatives.

His abduction has highlighted the worsening security situation in northern and central Nigeria.

Boko Haram and similar groups often ambush travellers and abduct people for ransom.

These attacks frequently target rural areas, religious leaders, and humanitarian workers.

In March, a Catholic priest was kidnapped and killed by unknown gunmen in central Nigeria.

The Catholic Church continues to call on the government to protect vulnerable communities and clergy.

Bishop Bakeni urged authorities to do more to prevent further tragedies like this.

He emphasized the need for stronger security presence on highways and border areas.

The abduction has caused distress among parishioners both in Nigeria and the United States.

Rev. Afina was beloved in Alaska, where he served for seven years.

His former parishioners in Fairbanks are holding prayer vigils for his safe return.

The Nigerian government faces increasing pressure to tackle rising insecurity and lawlessness.

Many believe more intelligence-led operations are needed to stop such violent attacks.

Human rights groups also urge urgent action to protect citizens and religious leaders.

No ransom demand or conditions for release have been made public so far.

Rev. Afina’s family, friends, and community members await updates with great anxiety.

The Catholic community worldwide remains united in prayer and support for his release.

This incident underscores the grave danger facing clerics working in volatile regions of Nigeria.

Efforts must be intensified to rescue Rev. Afina and others still in captivity.

Until then, communities continue to hope for a peaceful resolution and his safe return.

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