Release of two priests in Nigeria: "We thank all those who prayed"
"They were released yesterday, they are in good health, but they have been admitted to hospital for investigation. We thank all those who prayed for the prompt release of the two priests."
The 30 last April, Father Chochos Kunav and Father Raphael Ogigba had been abducted in Delta State, southern Nigeria. A call to prayer was quickly launched by Father Okereke Kingsley.
After spending 5 nights in the hands of their captors, they were released on the afternoon of 4 May.
"They were released yesterday, they are in good health, but they have been admitted to hospital for investigation. We thank all those who prayed for the prompt release of the two priests", says the diocese of Warri reached by telephone by I'Agenzia Fides.
Le Daily Report, a Nigerian daily, specifies that we do not know if a ransom was paid, while recalling that a ransom of twenty million naira (nearly 40 euros) had been demanded for the release of the priests.
For several years, the Episcopal Conference of Nigeria has maintained that no ransom should be paid for the release of kidnapped priests and religious.
“The widespread violence and atrocities across Nigeria continue to impact freedom of religion or belief for many Nigerians,” says the recent USCIRF report on theinternational religious freedom. Experts denounce kidnappings, but also murders or attacks on places of worship or houses.
MC
