Priest kidnap: Demanding ransom from church unimaginable – Catholic bishop

The Catholic bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has described as unimaginable and foolhardy the demand on the Church to pay for the release of any abducted priests.

He said the Church did not pay ransom to kidnappers because it relied solely on people’s benevolence and goodwill for her survival.

Ezeokafor spoke on Monday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Awka, in reaction to the N15million ransom demand by the abductors of Rev. Father Christopher Ogaga, a Catholic Priest in Aragba, Oviri-Okpe, Okpe Local Government, Delta State.

He wondered why right thinking person would ever contemplate kidnapping a priest of God, let alone requesting ransom from the Church.

He said, “Mother Church does not pay ransom to kidnappers because it relied solely on people’s benevolence and goodwill for her survival.

“Catholic priests live on parishioners’ benevolence. Whatever they receive as gifts are what they live with. No additional income anywhere.

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“They have given up everything, children, accumulation of wealth, owning and acquisition of property. They sacrificed their earthly pleasures just to serve God and humanity. They need prayers, help, encouragement and not this type of treatment.”

While calling for the immediate release of the priest, Ezeokafor prayed for the repentance of the abductors of the priest from their evil ways.

‘The priest should be released forthwith. The Church has no money to give to anybody. There is nothing the Church will do in this situation.

“Where would they get the money from if I may ask? These priests are going around preaching and calling for repentance. Why go after them?” he queried.

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