Fulani Herdsmen who kidnapped Catholic Priest in Enugu demand for N2.5 million ransom

Some Catholic priests were attacked by Fulani Herdsmen in Enugu State on Sept 26th, (Read here). According to reports, the priests Rev Fr Chetanna Jude Chukwuneke, Fr Emmanuel Dim and Fr Prof Ezeokana were in a car passing along Obimo in Uzo-Uwani when the suspected herdsmen emerged from a bush in a bad spot of the road, and attacked. While Fr Chukwuenke and Fr Prof Ezeokana escaped, Fr Emmaniuel Dim was abducted. A 2.5 million Naira ransom has now been demanded before he is released.

This was revealed today by the Director of Communications at the Nnewi Catholic Diocese, Rev. Fr. Hygi Aghaulor. According to him, the kidnappers of Rev. Fr. Dim – the Rector of Fr. Tansi Major Seminary in Onitsha, Anambra, have demanded a ransom for his release. Aghaulor confirmed that Dim was kidnapped around 7 p.m while the three catholic priests were returning from Nsukka to Onitsha and Nnewi.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference has however directed that no ransom be paid. Aghaulor requested that Nigerians join hands to pray the priest’s release.

“We call on people of goodwill to continue to pray for the immediate release of the Vincentian priest. We are tempted to wonder if Nigeria is on the verge of collapse. All over the country, women are being raped and intimidated, innocent Nigerians are being slaughtered,’’ Aghaulor said.