Nigerian seminarian Michael Nnadi has been killed by his abductors, according to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN). He was 18 years old.
Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto said: “With a very heavy heart, I wish to inform you that our dear son, Michael was murdered by the bandits on a date we cannot confirm. He and the wife of a doctor were arbitrarily separated from the group and killed.”
The kidnappers left the bodies of the seminarian and the wife of medical doctor Philip Ataga by the roadside. Mrs. Ataga was kidnapped from the family home in Juji, Kaduna along with her two children on Friday 24th January. The kidnappers’ ₦150-million ransom demand for her release was not met.
Mr. Nnadi was one of four seminarians taken on the evening of Wednesday 8th January from the Good Shepherd Major Seminary in Kaduna city. The other seminarians were Pius Kanwai, 19, Peter Umenukor, 23, and Stephen Amos, also 23. One was released on 20th January, and the last two were set free on Friday (31st January).
According to Bishop Kukah’s statement, released on Saturday (1st February), the seminary rector had formally identified Mr. Nnadi’s body and his mother had been informed. Bishop Kukah said: “We have broken the news to her and I will be with her. The Lord knows best. Let’s remain strong and pray for the repose of his soul.”
