Nigerian Priest Abducted by Boko Haram: A Deepening Crisis

In a disturbing escalation of violence in northeast Nigeria, Rev. Alphonsus Afina, a Catholic priest formerly serving in the United States, was kidnapped by the extremist group Boko Haram. The abduction occurred on June 1 near the town of Gwoza in Borno state while Afina was traveling for a workshop.

Bishop John Bogna Bakeni of Maiduguri stated that Afina, though exhausted, was in good spirits during a brief phone conversation a day after the incident. The priest's convoy had been ambushed by armed men at a military checkpoint, leading to multiple casualties, including the death of one person.

Rev. Robert Fath confirmed the abduction after receiving a call from Boko Haram. The incident underscores the ongoing chaos in Nigeria's northern regions, where Boko Haram and other armed groups continue to terrorize communities, targeting figures like Afina.

(With inputs from agencies.)