Release of Catholic Priest in Nigeria Following Kidnapping Incident

Fr. Livinus Maurice, a Catholic priest abducted in southern Nigeria on February 12, was released on February 16 due to pressure from security teams. His release follows calls from the Diocese of Port Harcourt for his unconditional freedom, while another priest, Fr. Cornellus Manzak Damulak, remains kidnapped.

In southern Nigeria, Fr. Livinus Maurice, the parish priest of St. Patrick’s Church in Isokpo, was kidnapped on February 12 by armed assailants while returning from a hospital visit. He was taken alongside two individuals during the abduction on the road from Elele to Isiokpo. The Diocese of Port Harcourt, led by Bishop Bernadine Anaele, issued an official request for the priest’s unconditional release.

Thanks to concerted efforts to apply pressure on the kidnappers, Fr. Livinus Maurice and his companions were successfully released on February 16. The state police spokesperson indicated that their freedom was facilitated by a collaborative security effort involving police, military personnel from the Isiokpo Joint Task Force, and local security forces. While the captured individuals have returned home, operations to locate the kidnappers remain in progress.

In a related update, it has been reported that another Nigerian priest, Fr. Cornellus Manzak Damulak, who was abducted on February 6 from his residence in the Bwari Area Council, continues to be detained by his captors.

Fr. Livinus Maurice’s release after being kidnapped highlights the ongoing challenges of security and violence in Nigeria. The involvement of various security agencies was crucial in ensuring his safe return, though the search for his abductors continues. Meanwhile, the plight of another kidnapped priest underscores the persistent danger faced by religious leaders in the region. Such incidents call for heightened attention to the safety of individuals in vulnerable circumstances.

Original Source: www.fides.org