By Correspondent in Minna
A Catholic Priest of the Diocese of Minna, Rev. Fr. John Gbakaan Yaji has, been kidnapped and killed by suspected bandits in Niger state
The deceased’s colleague, Rev. Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, made the announcement on Saturday via Twitter.
The Reporters gathered that the incidence happened on Friday night in Tufa village on Lambata-Lapai road when the suspected assailants accosted the deceased and his younger brother.
The Late Rev. Fr. Yajiand his brother were said to be on their way back to Minna from Lambata, where he had attended a religious meeting along with his team of priestly ordelies when he was kidnapped and his body later found dead.
The online publication also gathered that the where about of the deceased’s younger brother was not known as at the time of this report.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the Police Command in the state, ASP Wasiu Abiodun, could not confirm the report as efforts to reach him proved abortive.
The Bishop of Catholic Diocese (Minna), Igwe Uzoukwu could also not be reached for comments as he was said to have travelled out of town for an engagement.
Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger state chapter, has described the abduction and killing of Rev. Fr. John Gbakaan Yaji as not only unfortunate but very painful.
The State CAN Chairman, Revd. Mathias Echioda, in his reaction to amented the attacks as unfortunate, but cautioned that they should not be based on religion.
He appealed to the people come together to put an end to banditry in the state.
“I know that if we come together, sincerely and pray fervently, God who answers prayers will definitely hear and deliver us from the hands of the wicked,” he said.
The state CAN boss also appealed to the state government not to abandon the citizenry to “the mercy of blood thirst criminals who he noted, derived joy in shedding blood of innocent, harmless citizens.”
