In a statement shared with ACI Africa on Sunday, August 16, the Chancellor of the Nigerian Episcopal See, Fr. Joseph Aboyi Itodo, said the Seminarian “managed to escape from his abductors and made his way to Aliade in Gwer East Local Government Area, where he was found and later safely taken home.”
“He has been safely brought home unhurt,” Fr. Itodo said in the statement addressed to Priests, women and men Religious, and Laity of the Diocese.
According to the Chancellor, the Local Ordinary of Otukpo Diocese, Bishop Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, expressed gratitude to the people of God “for their show of solidarity and earnest prayers which led to the speedy and safe return of our brother.”
Bishop Apochi also thanked the Priest and parishioners of Sts. Peter and Paul Aliade Parish, who received Seminarian Ochai following his escape and provided him with accommodation for the night.
Fr. Itodo expressed the Diocese’s appreciation to the Nigeria Police for attending to the Seminarian after he escaped.
While giving thanks for Seminarian Ochai’s safe return, the Chancellor appealed for continued prayers for the many people being held by criminal groups in different parts of Nigeria, asking God to bring them safely out of captivity.
He also called for prayers for an end to insecurity and the restoration of peace and stability in the West African nation.
“May the good Lord reward you all beyond measure,” Fr. Itodo said, appealing for continued prayers that God would protect the people from violence and “restore sanity to our country Nigeria.”
The West African nation has continued to experience attacks by armed groups involved in killings and kidnappings for ransom.
The Boko Haram insurgency has posed a major security challenge in the country since 2009. The group reportedly seeks to turn Africa’s most populous nation into an Islamic state.
Insecurity in other parts of Nigeria has also been linked to attacks involving predominantly Muslim Fulani herders, sometimes referred to as the Fulani militia.