A Nigerian Catholic priest has been abducted by Boko Haram militants along with several other travellers in the volatile Borno State, northeast Nigeria. The abduction, which has drawn international concern, highlights the persistent threat posed by extremist groups in the region.
Reverend. Alphonsus Afina, who returned to Nigeria after more than six years serving in the Diocese of Fairbanks, Alaska, was kidnapped on June 1 near Gwoza, close to the Cameroon border. According to Bishop John Bogna Bakeni of Maiduguri, Afina was travelling from Mubi to Maiduguri for a workshop when his convoy was ambushed while stopped at a military checkpoint. During the attack, a rocket-propelled grenade struck one of the vehicles, killing one person and injuring several others.
Alongside Afina, at least nine other travellers were abducted, including staff from a Christian non-governmental organisation. One staff member was killed during the ambush, while others managed to escape and later reported the incident to authorities. The victims were reportedly returning from a marriage ceremony in Adamawa State when they were intercepted by the militants.
Boko Haram, the notorious jihadist group responsible for thousands of deaths and mass displacements in Nigeria and neighbouring countries, has claimed responsibility for the abduction. Church officials and family members confirmed that the militants allowed Afina to speak with them shortly after the kidnapping, providing proof of life. However, no ransom demand has been made public, and there has been no further contact since the initial call.
Reverend Robert Fath, vicar general of the Fairbanks diocese in Alaska, stated that he received a phone call from Boko Haram confirming they had Afina in their custody.
Nigerian authorities have not issued any public statements regarding the abduction and have not responded to media inquiries. However, the Christian Association of Nigeria and local church leaders have called on the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of Afina and the other hostages.
Bishop Bakeni reported that, despite the traumatic ordeal, Afina was “in good spirits” during their brief phone conversation the day after the abduction. The Catholic community in Nigeria and abroad has organised special prayers and Masses for Afina’s safe return.
Boko Haram has waged a violent insurgency in Nigeria since 2009, targeting civilians, religious leaders, and government officials. The group’s attacks frequently involve mass abductions and killings, particularly in Borno State and other parts of northeastern Nigeria. According to the United Nations, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of approximately 35,000 civilians and has displaced more than two million people.
Afina is the 15th religious figure to be kidnapped in Nigeria this year, underscoring the heightened risks faced by clergy and aid workers in the region.
As of Monday evening, there has been no official breakthrough in the rescue operation, and the fate of Rev. Afina and the other abductees remains uncertain. The incident has renewed calls for stronger security measures and greater international support to combat the ongoing threat of extremist violence in Nigeria’s northeast.
