Richard Ginika Izuora
Crude abductors of Michael Nnadi one of four Nigerian seminarians kidnapped in January 2020 has been killed.
However, three other seminarians kidnapped alongside Michael Nnadi were released.
In a statement at the weekend by Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto, he said; “With a very heavy heart, I wish to inform you that our dear son; Michael Nnadi was murdered by the bandits on a date we cannot confirm.
“He and the wife of a doctor were arbitrarily separated from the group and killed. The Rector identified the corpse this afternoon.”
Meanwhile, the deceased Michael Nnadi was 18 years old.
He was reportedly abducted by gunmen from Good Shepherd Seminary in Kaduna; around 10:30 pm on January 8.
With him were Pius Kanwai, 19; Peter Umenukor, 23; and Stephen Amos, 23. The four seminarians were at the beginning of their Philosophy studies.
The suspected gunmen, disguised in military camouflage; broke through the fence surrounding the seminarians’ living quarters and began shooting sporadically. They stole laptops and phones before kidnapping the four young men.
On January 20, it was reported that one of the abducted seminarians had been freed by his kidnappers after 10 days in captivity. Also, on January 31, an official at Good Shepherd Seminary delivered some cheering news. He announced that two more of the kidnapped seminarians had been released.
At that time, it was reported that one seminary was still missing and presumed to still be in captivity.
Bishop Kukah, in his statement, disclosed that he had to delay the announcement of Nnadi’s death slightly. This was until his mother could be informed.
“We have broken the news to her and I will be with her,” Kukah said.
“The Lord knows best. Let’s remain strong and pray for the repose of his soul.”
Nearly 270 seminarians lived at Good Shepherd.
The seminary is located just off the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria Express Way.
According to AFP, the area is “notorious for criminal gangs kidnapping travellers for ransom.”
