Abducted Catholic seminarians freed — after two days in captivity

Three students kidnapped from Christ the King major seminary in Fayit, Jema’a LGA, Kaduna state, have regained their freedom.

The students were kidnapped on Monday night, after gunmen attacked the seminary.

Confirming their development in a statement issued on Wednesday, Emmanuel Okolo, chancellor of the Catholic diocese of Kafanchan in Kaduna, said the victims were relased by their abductors.

“With hearts filled with joy, we raise our voices in a symphony of praises as we announce the return of our three major seminarians, who were abducted by armed persons from the Chapel of the Seminary at Christ the King Major Seminary, Fayit Fadan Kagoma in Jema’a Local Government Area, Kaduna State, on Monday 11 October, 2021,” the statement reads.

“Barely 48 hours after their kidnap, our beloved brothers were released by their abductors.

“We want to thank all those that have offered prayers and entreaties for the quick release of our Seminarians and others who are still in the dens of their kidnappers.

“We pray God to hasten the release of those who are still in the hands of their captors.”

The chancellor also asked all priests to celebrate “mass of thanksgiving” on Thursday for the safe release of the seminarians.