Fr. Marcellus Nwaohuocha, a member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) who was kidnapped on June 17 from Nigeria’s Jos Archdiocese has been freed.
In a statement shared with ACI Africa Tuesday, June 20, the Superior of OMI in Nigeria announces the release from Fr. Marcellus from captivity after having been tortured, and that he “has deep wounds on his head.”
Fr. Peter Klaver expresses gratitude to God for the release “of our confrere Fr. Marcellus”, who he says “was released on the night of June 19-20,” and that “he is currently in hospital for treatment.”
Fr. Marcellus was kidnapped when unidentified gunmen stormed St. Paul Bomo Catholic Parish of Jos Archdiocese where he serves as Parish Priest.
The kidnappers shot the Parish security guard who died on the way to the hospital.
In his June 20 statement, Fr. Klaver appeals for prayers for the soul of the late security guard and for complete healing of his hospitalized confrere, saying, “Let us pray for the full recovery of his health and for the repose of the soul of the deceased, who leaves a family (wife and children).”
The kidnapping and release of Fr. Marcellus is the latest in a series of abductions that have targeted members of the Clergy, Seminarians, and other Christians in Africa’s most populous nation, sometimes resulting in murders.
On June 11, Fr. Jeremiah Yakubu, a Priest of Kafanchan Diocese, was kidnapped and later released.
Earlier, on June 7, Fr. Charles Onomhoale Igechi, a member of the Clergy of Benin City Catholic Archdiocese who was set to mark his first Priestly anniversary on August 13 was shot dead while returning from pastoral duties.
On June 2, Fr. Stanislaus Mbamara, a Catholic Priest ministering in Nigeria’s Nnewi Diocese was kidnapped and later set free.
Officials of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was sworn in on May 29, to prioritize the security concerns and the economic struggles of the people of God in the West African nation.
“Nigeria is facing a number of challenges that require strong and decisive leadership. From security concerns to economic struggles, it is clear that there is much work to be done in order to ensure that Nigeria can reach its full potential,” Rev. Daniel Okoh said on May 29.
On May 27, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of Nigeria’s Sokoto Diocese called upon the new President of Nigeria to identify what is behind the “scars, wounds, and injuries” of Nigerians even as he prioritizes their healing.
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