Document
During its current meeting (30 May-2 June 2022 online) the executive committee of the World Council of Churches was deeply disturbed by the kidnapping on 29 May of Dr. Samuel Chukwuemeka Kanu Uche, the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria – along with the Methodist Bishop of Owerri Diocese Rt. Rev. Dennis Okechukwu Mark, and the Chaplain to the Prelate, Very Rev. Jeremiah Abidemi Shittu – and was greatly relieved by the news of their safe release on 31 May.
This alarming incident is representative of an escalating crisis of criminal kidnappings which have become commonplace across Nigeria. It is estimated that in the first three months of this year alone, more than 3,500 people have been killed and many more kidnapped by armed groups in Nigeria. In a particularly serious attack on a passenger train travelling between Abuja and Kaduna in March, at least nine people were killed, and more than 60 are believed to be still held by the gunmen.
In addition to Dr Uche and his companions, other clergy have also been victims of such kidnappings, including most recently Roman Catholic priests Fr Stephen Ojapa and Fr Oliver Okpara serving the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, who were kidnapped in an armed attack on their residence in Katsina state on 25 May, and Fr Joseph Aketeh of the Archdiocese of Kaduna who was kidnapped in March and died at the hands of his abductors after more than a month of captivity. The WCC has received reports of many other clergy and Christians who have been kidnapped and still remain in captivity, with little or no effort by the government to rescue the victims.
The global ecumenical fellowship of churches is deeply concerned by the effects of the activities of criminal kidnappers who have continued to commit crimes and atrocities against the people of Nigeria for more than a decade, with the clergy and the churches among the major victims.
Whilst we received with great joy the news of the release of the Prelate and his companions, this outcome was only achieved after the payment of a huge ransom. We think at this time especially of the victims whose families cannot afford to pay such heavy ransoms for the return of their loved ones.
The executive committee:
Condemns these killings and kidnappings for criminal or other purposes, and calls on the Nigerian government and authorities to ensure accountability for the perpetrators of such crimes.
Appeals to the Nigerian authorities to do all in their power to rescue those still held in captivity, to bring an end to the kidnappings and killings, and to ensure adequate security for the lives and properties for all Nigerians to enable them to live in safety and dignity and without fear.
Prays for the safe release of all those still held in captivity, and for the consolation of bereaved family and community members.
Expresses Christian solidarity with the churches and people of Nigeria, as they seek a future of safety and dignity for their communities threatened by such criminal atrocities.