Nigeria: Catholic Priest Abducted in Ekiti

In a fresh case of priest abductions, the Catholic Diocese of Ekiti, in southwestern Nigeria has announced the sad incident of the abduction of Rev. Fr. Michael Olubunmi Olofinlade whiles on pastoral assignment.

A statement issued by the Director of Social Communications of the Ekiti Diocese, Rev. Fr. Anthony Oluwole Ijasan, on Sunday, January 15, 2023, reported the abduction of a clergyman which occurred on Saturday, January 14, 2023.

“As directed by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Exit, Most Rev, Felix Femi Ajakaye, to communicate to you the unpleasant news of the abduction of Rev. Fr. Michael Olubunmi Olofinlade, a Priest of the Catholic Diocese of Exit, was abducted yesterday, Saturday, 14 January, 2023” the statement read.

The statement indicated that Fr. Olofinlade, the Parish Priest of St George Catholic Church, Omu-Ekiti in Oye Local Government Area of Ekiti State, was on a pastoral assignment when he was abducted.

“Fr. Olofinlade went for a pastoral assignment outside the parish. His abduction happened while he was on his way back to the Parish at about 6,00 pm. The place where Father was abducted was between Itaji-Ekiti and Ijelu-Ekiti in the Oye Local Government Area in Ekiti State, about a kilometre to his parish headquarters.”

According to the statement, the abductors of Fr. Olofinlade are yet to make contact with the Bishop or any other person in the Diocese.

The statement issued by the Director of Social Communications of the Ekiti Diocese, Rev. Fr. Anthony Oluwole Ijasan,

The Local Bishop, Most Rev, Felix Femi Ajakaye has asked the faithful to pray for the priest’s safe release, “While waiting for the abductors to make contact(s) with the Diocese, the Bishop solicits your prayers for the quick and safe release of Fr. Olofinlade for him to return to his Pastoral duty post to continue his service to God and humanity through and in the Church.”

Rev. Fr. Michael Olubunmi Olofinlade’s abduction adds to the increasing number of Catholic priests who have been attacked or abducted across Nigeria in the last two years.

According to reports of Agenzia Fides, the state of Anambra located in south-eastern Nigeria, used to be the area particularly affected by the phenomenon of kidnapping for extortion, however, the crime has now spread to other regions of Nigeria.