In yet another alarming incident, Rev. Fr. Thaddeus Tarhembe, a priest in Taraba State, Nigeria, was abducted from his parish in Ibi Local Council in the early hours of Sunday, October 29.
The abduction, confirmed by Msgr Mark Nzukwein, Bishop of Wukari, occurred at the parish rectory and underscores the relentless wave of kidnappings plaguing the country.
Kidnapping for extortion has tragically transformed into a disturbing “industry” in Nigeria, affecting ordinary citizens and church personnel alike. Victims are often captured during street kidnappings or, in more brazen attacks like this, assailants target convents and parish houses, usually under the cover of night.
This incident follows a recent heinous attack where a gang of Fulani herdsmen raided the Benedictine monastery of Eruku in Kwara State, north-central Nigeria. During the raid, novice Godwin Eze was abducted and later killed by the kidnappers. Additionally, two postulants, Anthony Eze and Peter Olarewaj, were abducted but fortunately released, shedding light on the perilous circumstances faced by religious communities in the region.
Authorities in Taraba State have been actively combating this menace, with a recent breakthrough resulting in the arrest of 20 alleged members of a kidnapping gang. The operation led to the recovery of ransom money paid by families of several kidnapped individuals, along with the seizure of weapons, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
The continued occurrence of such incidents raises urgent concerns about the safety and security of citizens and religious leaders in Nigeria. The local communities and authorities are left grappling with the challenges posed by these criminal activities, underscoring the need for comprehensive measures to address the root causes and ensure the safety of all residents.