Clement Danhutor
Bishop of Ekiti, Most Rev, Felix Femi Ajakaye, has called on well-meaning Nigerians to urge the abductors of Bishop of Ekiti, Most Rev, Felix Femi Ajakaye, who has been in captivity since Sunday, 24 April, 2016, to release him.
He also made the same appeal for two Sisters of St Louis, Sisters Perpetua Apo and Bukola Familade, and their driver, Mr. Zwugwa Zibai, who were abducted on May 12, while they were searching for the kidnapped vicar.
Ajakaye in a release titled, ‘Abduction of Otukpo Vicar General, Two Srs of St Louis and Their Driver: A Passionate Appeal’ said, “for over three weeks, Fr John Adeyi, the Vicar General of Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, has been in captivity since Sunday, 24 April, 2016.
“According to the report, the humble Parish Priest of St Bernard Catholic Church, Okpoka, Okpokwu Local Government Area, Benue State, was kidnapped along the highway when returning from an outstation of the Parish where he had gone to celebrate the Holy Eucharist (Mass). He is the first Catholic Priest from Otukpa. Since his abduction, we have not got any information concerning his whereabouts.
“While still praying, hoping and searching for our brother and friend, Father John Adeyi, last Thursday, 12 May, 2016, two Sisters of St Louis, Sisters Perpetua Apo and Bukola Familade, and their driver, Mr. Zwugwa Zibai, were also abducted.
“The three were traveling from Kaduna to Ijebu-Itele, Ogun State, for a programme when their vehicle broke down at Kajola, along Ore-Lagos Road. They then called their Sisters in the neighbouring town for help. By the time, the Sisters and others got to the scene, they found the vehicle, but the three were nowhere to be found. It was later found out that they had been abducted.
“These unfortunate incidents are not palatable at all. Indeed, apart from the two described stories of abduction, there are still other cases pending, both known and unknown.”
I humbly appeal to all sincere and purposeful Nigerians, within and outside government, and genuine friends of Nigeria to fashion out practical lasting solutions to this spate of abductions.
“We must stop chasing the shadows. Really, whenever somebody is abducted, it is sickening to hear State Governors prepared to give millions of Naira to anybody or group with any information on the whereabouts of the abducted. Let such Governors look inward and do the needful.
“As Nigerians, we need to make our beloved country, Nigeria, habitable for all, where we shall uphold true love, justice, peace, harmony and development. More than ever before, we are to promote and encourage hard work. Nigeria belongs to all and we must manage our resources properly for the benefit of all.
‘‘Anybody could be you. In this light, I call on all well-meaning Nigerians to appeal to the abductors of all the people still in captivity, including the abductors of Father John Adeyi, Sisters Perpetua Apo and Bukola Familade, and their driver, Mr. Zwugwa Zibai.
“We, the Catholic Church, the Catholic Women Religious, that is, all the Sisters of the different Religious Congregations, are pleading with the abductors of Father John Adeyi, Sisters Perpetua Apo and Bukola Familade, and their driver, Mr. Zwugwa Zibai, please release them so that they can continue their humble service to humanity as directed by God. May our God of Mercy keep blessing, strengthening and sustaining us all in Nigeria. Amen. With confidence in God, Christ is our strength”, Ajakaye added.
