Yet another kidnapping of a Catholic priest in Nigeria. According to Fides News Agency, Fr. John Bako Shekwolo was kidnapped on March 25 in his home in the village of Ankuwai, in the state of Kaduna, in central – northern Nigeria.
The kidnapping was confirmed by the Chancellor, Archdiocese of Kaduna, Reverend Father Daniel J. Kyomm: «We regret to announce that one of our priests, Rev. Fr. John Bako Shekwolo has been kidnapped by unknown persons. As we ask for the prayers of the faithful of our Archdiocese and beyond for the quick release of Fr. Shekwolo, we appeal to the consciences of those who abducted him to kindly release him unharmed.»
The local police are doing their best to release Fr. Shekwolo, who is the parish priest of the church of St. Teresa of Ankuwa, Fides reported. The kidnapping of the Catholic priest was condemned by the Christian Association of Nigeria – CAN, which brings together the various Christian confessions in the Country, with a statement of its president, Reverend John Joseph Hayab:
«CAN condemns the abduction of Bako in its entirety. While we note that kidnapping in Kaduna State has become a big business, we appeal to the kidnappers to kindly release Bako unhurt. It is sad that Kaduna State has become the center of kidnapping with the government doing almost nothing to stop it. This shows there is governance failure, as far as security of lives and property is concerned. Government and security agencies must wake up to their responsibilities of protecting lives and property, which is the essence of government.»
