Nigerian seminarian abducted from bishop’s residence escapes unhurt

OTUKPO, Nigeria — A seminarian who was abducted from the bishop’s residence in Nigeria’s Diocese of Otukpo on July 29 has escaped from his captors and returned home unharmed.

In a statement shared with ACI Africa, the sister service of EWTN News in Africa, on Aug. 16, the chancellor of the diocese, Father Joseph Aboyi Itodo, said Kelvin Ochai “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.”

According to the chancellor, Bishop Michael Ekwoyi Apochi , who leads the diocese, 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.”

Apochi also thanked the priest and parishioners of Sts. Peter and Paul Aliade Parish, who received Ochai as a seminarian following his escape and provided him with accommodation for the night.

Itodo also expressed the diocese’s appreciation to the Nigeria police for attending to the seminarian after he escaped.

While giving thanks for Ochai’s safe return, the chancellor appealed for continued prayers for the many people being held by criminal groups in…