Maiduguri, Nigeria – The Auxiliary Bishop of Maiduguri, Most Rev. John Bakeni, has issued an urgent call for prayers following the abduction of Fr. Alphonsus Afina, a Catholic priest kidnapped by suspected jihadist militants in northeastern Nigeria.
In a message sent to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), Bishop Bakeni confirmed that Fr. Afina was taken by members of Boko Haram – Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on Sunday, June 1 2025, along with other individuals traveling with him.
“Fr. Alphonsus and two other staff members of the Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) were en route from Mubi to Maiduguri to attend a scheduled workshop,” the bishop said. “The incident occurred near Gwoza around 12:30 p.m., when the group was caught in a crossfire between Nigerian military forces and insurgents.”
According to the bishop, the ambush led to multiple casualties and abductions. One JDPC staff member was shot and killed, while another managed to escape. Fr. Afina was among those taken hostage by the militants.
Bishop Bakeni reported that he has since been contacted by the abductors, who provided evidence confirming that Fr. Afina is still alive. He expressed hope for the priest’s safe return.
He concluded his message with a heartfelt appeal: “Please pray for the Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri, especially during this difficult and trying time. May Our Lady of Perpetual Help intercede for us and for her son, Fr. Alphonsus Afina, that he may return to us safely.”
The Boko Haram insurgency, which began in 2002, has plagued Nigeria’s northern regions for over two decades. In 2016, the group split, with one faction pledging allegiance to the Islamic State and operating under the name ISWAP. While weakened, both factions continue to carry out deadly attacks and kidnappings in the region.
The abduction of clergy has become increasingly common in Nigeria. Fr. Afina is the 15th religious figure kidnapped in 2025. While most have been released, two priests were killed after being taken earlier this year.
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