Two Catholic Priest Abducted By Unknown Gunmen

On the night of April 29, two Catholic priests were abducted by unknown gunmen in front of Michael and Cecilia Ibru University, Agbarha-Otor in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The abducted priests were identified as Rev. Fr. Raphael Ogigbah, who is the Parish priest of St. Francis Catholic Parish Agbarha-Otor in the Catholic Diocese of Warri, and Rev. Fr. Kunav Chochos, who is a Missionary Priest of the Schoenstartt Fathers.

Fr. Chochos had visited Fr. Ogigbah at Agbarha-Otor, near Ughelli, and both priests had gone to visit another priest friend at a nearby parish. While on their way back, the suspected kidnappers stopped their vehicle and took them away to an unknown location.

Confirming the incident, the Delegate Superior of the Schoenstartt Fathers, Very Rev. Fr. Okereke Kingsley Kizito, released a statement on April 30, saying, “Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, it is with great pain and concern that we come to you with this sad notice. Our brother, Fr. Chochos Kunav, Schoenstartt Fathers, lives and works in Ibadan. However, he travelled to Warri yesterday to visit his friend, Fr. Raphael Ogigbah of the Catholic Diocese of Warri and the Parish Priest of St. Francis Catholic Church Agbarha-Otor, Ughelli North, Delta State.

“Unfortunately, after a short visit to the priest in a nearby parish, both Fr. Chochos Kunav and Fr. Raphael Ogigbah was kidnapped last night on their way back to the parish of Fr. Raphael Ogigbah. The incidents occurred on the road, in front of the Ibru University, Agbarha-Otor. We ask for intense prayers for quick and safe release,” the statement read in part.

DSP Bright Edafe, the spokesperson for the state police command, confirmed the incident and stated that the police were currently tracking the kidnappers in order to secure the Rev Fathers’ release.