A Nigerian seminarian kidnapped with three others in Nigeria has been murdered by his abductors.
Michael Nnadi, aged 18, was separated from the others along with the wife of a medical doctor, Philip Atagi, and killed by the bandits who took them hostage and demanded ransoms. Their bodies were left by the side of a road.
Mr Nnadi was taken hostage from the Good Shepherd Major Seminary in Kaduna city on the evening of Wednesday 8 January .The other seminarians were Pius Kanwai, 19, Peter Umenukor, 23, and Stephen Amos, also 23. All three have already been released, towards the end of last month.
Mrs Ataga was kidnapped from the family home in Juji, Kaduna along with her two children nearly two week ago. The kidnappers’ demanded 150 million Nigerian naira – £318,000 – in ransom. Her family was unable to meet the demand.
News of Nnadi's murdered was released by Aid to the Church in Need, who tweeted: "With immense sorrow we must inform you that the last seminarian, Michael, in the hands of the kidnappers, was murdered.”
Bishop Matthew Hasaan Kukah of Sokoto told Aid to the Church in Need: “With a very heavy heart, I wish to inform you that our dear son, Michael was murdered by the bandits on a date we cannot confirm. He and the wife of a doctor were arbitrarily separated from the group and killed.”
He said the seminarian's mother had been informed. Nnadi's body was identified by the seminary rector. Bishop Kukah said: “We have broken the news to her and I will be with her. The Lord knows best. Let’s remain strong and pray for the repose of his soul.”
One of the released seminarians was found by a roadside suffering from serious injuries after he was badly beaten by his captors as punishment for resisting his kidnapping. He was taken to hospital after being found by passing motorists.
According to Vatican News, Archbishop Augustine Akubeze, of Benin and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, appealed on Friday for help dealing with growing insecurity in Nigeria, and a situation of unprecedented gravity. Although all the seminaries in Nigeria have protective walls, they are still unable to prevent attacks by the Islamist extremist group Boko Haram, responsible for more than 35,000 deaths already. Many churches have suffered attacks and some now pay for police protection during Mass.
The Archbishop told ACN: "If all the seminaries, monasteries and convents that host religious people had cameras, it would be useful, at least, to capture some terrorists".
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