In a story that’s becoming distressingly familiar, nine Catholics were kidnapped Feb. 6 while praying at St. Paul’s Parish in Benue State, Nigeria.
The nine parishioners were taking part in a prayer vigil at the time of the attack, according to a Feb. 10 press release from Agenzia Fides. Intruders broke into the church and abducted the nine. The abductees’ whereabouts are currently unknown.
The Diocese of Otukpo has asked the faithful to pray for the swift release of the prisoners, according to Agenzia Fides.
The Benue State Police Command announced that it will be deploying tactical operations forces for a search and rescue operation.
Anti-Christian violence has been on the rise in recent years in Nigeria, as Zeale News previously reported. Jihadist organizations are targeting Christians, and general crime rates are high. Boko Haram and Islamic State-West Africa Province are especially powerful in the northeast, though violence has spread across the country.
As Zeale News previously reported, assailants kidnapped Father Nathaniel Asuwaye along with 10 others last weekend, and the Nigerian Diocese of Kafanchan has asked for prayers.
The deadliest attack in recent months killed at least 160 people Feb. 3-4, according to AP News.
Pope Leo XIV prayed for Nigeria during his Feb. 8 Angelus address, asking God to grant protection to all Nigerians in this frightening time.