Bandits Abduct Two Catholic Priests in Delta

By Sola Omoniyi, Lagos

Rev. Fr. Chochos Kunav of the Schoenstatt Fathers and Rev. Fr. Raphael Ogigba of the Diocese of Warri have been kidnapped by gunmen in Delta state.

Congress learnt that Fr. Chochos lives and works in Ibadan Oyo state travelled to Warri to visit his friend Fr. Raphael Ogigba of the Catholic Diocese of Warri and the parish priest of St Francis Agbara Otor, Ughelli North, Delta State.

It was reported that after a short visit to a nearby parish on their way back to Fr. Raphael’s parish both of them were kidnapped in front of Ibru University Agbara Otor.

The incident was confirmed by Rev. Fr. Okereke Kingsley, the Delegate Supervisor released on Sunday, April 30, 2023.

Fr. Okereke wrote; ” Dear Brothers and Sisters In Christ. it is with great pain and concern that we come to you with this sad notice. Our brother Fr. Chochos Kunav, Schoenstatt’s Father, lives and works in Ibadan. However, he travelled to Warri yesterday to visit his friend Fr. Raphael Ogigba of the Catholic Diocese of Warri and the Parish Priest of St. Francis Agbara Otor, Ughelli North, Detta State.

“Unfortunately, after a short visit to the priest in a nearby parish both Fr. Chochos Kunav and Fr. Raphael Ogigba were kidnapped last night on their way back to the Parish of Fr. Raphael.

“The incident occurred on the road, in front of Ibru University Agbara Otor. We ask for intense prayers for quick and safe release,” he added.