Gunmen kidnap Catholic priest in Anambra

Gunmen have kidnapped a priest of the Nnewi Catholic Diocese, in Anambra State, Rev Fr Stanislaus Mbamara.

The young priest was kidnapped on Friday evening, June 2, 2023, while driving from Awka, the state capital, to Nnewi, where he serves.

The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi confirmed the development in a statement on Saturday, June 3, calling for prayers 

The statement signed by the Chancellor, Fr. Raphael Ezeogu, said the priest was also a student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, was kidnapped along the Nnobi axis while returning to Nnewi after the week’s lecture.

“Yesterday, June 2, 2023, our priest, Rev. Fr. Stanislaus Mbamara, a student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, was kidnapped while returning from Awka to Nnewi,” the statement read. 

“May you kindly join us in prayers for his quick release in good health of mind and body,”

“With the maternal assistance of the Ever Virgin Mother of God, the Help of Christians, may we approach the throne of God’s mercy, on our priest’s behalf.”