Catholic Priest And Seminarian Regain Freedom In Niger

A Catholic priest and seminarian who were abducted by bandits in Gyedna, Tafa Local Government Area, Niger State, have been freed, according to the Catholic Diocese of Minna.

On Wednesday, August 2, 2023, Rev. Fr. Paul Sanogo, a native of Mali, and his Tanzanian brother Melchior Mahinini were abducted from their parish house.

Members of the African Missionaries Society (White Fathers), the two missionaries are.

The victims were released on August 23 at around midnight, according to a statement released on August 24 by Rev. Fr. Ben Nnadi, Vice Chancellor of the Minna Diocese.

“The vice Chancellor on behalf of the Catholic Bishop of Minna, and his Auxiliary thanked the Faithfuls for their prayers and support rendered during the period,” the statement read.

“On behalf of the Bishop, Most Rev Martins Igwe Uzoukwu, and his Auxiliary Most Rev Sylvester Gopep, we wish to appreciate God for answered prayers.

“I just want to officially inform you that Rev Fr Paul Sanogo and Brother Melchior Mahinini are in safe hands and are doing well.”

Additionally, he pleaded for continued intercession for the safety of all Catholic priest everywhere.

The missionaries’ release was also confirmed in a statement by Fr Dennis Dashong Pam, the Provincial Superior of the Missionaries of Africa (M.Afr.) in Ghana and Nigeria.

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“It is with great joy that I inform you about the regained freedom of my two brothers today, the 23 August 2023, Fr Paul Sanogo from Mali and Brother Melchior Mahinini from Tanzania, who were kidnapped on Wednesday the 2 August 2023 at night in our community in Gyedna, Minna Diocese, Niger State, Nigeria. They are both fine, alive, and healthy despite the traumatising experience they went through in the hands of their abductors during their time of captivity for the last 3 weeks.”

Dennis Dashong, SJ Pam expressed gratitude to the community for their prayers and moral support.

“We asked for your moral support and prayers. Their release is a confirmation of your fervent prayers and support. That is why I come back to you all in appreciation for being there for us during this dark, difficult, and trying moment,” said Fr Pam.

Fr. Stan Lubungo, the Superior General of the Missionaries of Africa, announced the release of the two missionaries in an interview with Vatican News. He also expressed his pleasure and joy over their safe return.

“Yes, we are very happy. I can effectively confirm that our confreres were liberated. The news came at 01.00 early this morning. It was the Provincial who informed me that our confreres had joined the others. So, I can confirm that we are very happy, and I take the opportunity to thank everyone who has been praying for their liberation. I am very happy, and just like many of our confreres, we feel relieved. We have been thinking very much about their families who have been unable to sleep; it has been three weeks! So, a lot of relief really, and we hope our confreres are in good health, but that is not our preoccupation; they will surely be looked after,” he said.