Kidnappings

The Latest

Photo illustration of Nigerian military uniform.

Four religious sisters kidnapped in Nigeria

Aug 21, 2022

By CNA Staff

The Sisters of Jesus the Saviour announced that four of their Sisters were kidnapped in Nigeria’s Imo state on Sunday. Read more

Fr. John Mark Cheitnum, who was killed in the Diocese of Kafachan July 15, 2022.

Kidnapped priest killed in Nigeria, another escapes

Jul 19, 2022

By Jonah McKeown

Father John Mark Cheitnum was “brutally” killed the day he was abducted, his diocese announced. Read more

Father John Mark Cheitnum, left, and Father Denatus Cleopas, right.

Two Catholic priests kidnapped in Nigeria

Jul 16, 2022

By Courtney Mares

The Nigerian diocese of Kafanchan has asked for prayers after two Catholic priests were kidnapped Friday evening. Read more

Father Stephen Ojapah and Father Oliver Okpara, who were abducted in Nigeria’s Sokoto diocese on May 25, 2022.

Gunmen kidnap 2 Catholic priests in Nigeria

May 26, 2022

By Magdalene Kahiu, Courtney Mares

The priests were abducted after the gunmen broke into a rectory in northwest Nigeria. Read more

Father Joseph Akete Bako.

Catholic archdiocese in Nigeria announces death of kidnapped priest

May 12, 2022

By CNA Staff

Father Joseph Aketeh Bako was kidnapped in March. Read more

Father Felix Zakari Fidson, who was abducted in Nigeria’s Zaria diocese on March 24, 2022.

Catholic priest in Nigeria released 40 days after abduction

May 5, 2022

By CNA Staff

Father Felix Zakari Fidson was seized on March 24. Read more

Sister Suellen Tennyson, a member of the Congregation of the Marianites of Holy Cross, who was abducted in Burkina Faso April 4, 2022.

Abducted American religious sister a former leader of her congregation whose heart turned to missionary work

Apr 6, 2022

By Jonah McKeown

The American religious sister kidnapped in West Africa this week is a former international leader of her congregation, who was... Read more

Sister Suellen Tennyson, a member of the Congregation of the Marianites of Holy Cross, who was abducted in Burkina Faso April 4, 2022.

American nun abducted in Burkina Faso

Apr 5, 2022

By Jude Atemanke

Prayers are being sought for the safe release of Sister Suellen Tennyson, 83, an American Catholic nun who was reportedly... Read more

Father Leo Raphael Ozigi, who was kidnapped in Nigeria’s Minna diocese on March 27, 2022.

Catholic priest abducted after Sunday Mass in Nigeria

Mar 29, 2022

By Hannah Brockhaus

‘May the Holy Spirit secure the release of our brother ... from the hands of the bandits,’ said Father Emeka... Read more

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Ransom was paid for missionaries kidnapped in Haiti

Jan 6, 2022

By Christine Rousselle

A ransom was paid for the missionaries held hostage in Haiti, said the husband and father of six of the... Read more

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Final 12 kidnapped missionaries released by Haitian gang

Dec 16, 2021

By Christine Rousselle

The freeing of the U.S. missionaries from Christian Aid Ministries by their captors in Haiti came exactly two months to... Read more

Rebuilding project in Haiti

As three more hostages released in Haiti, Christian group thanks God and asks for more prayers

Dec 6, 2021

By Kevin J. Jones

Three more hostages from an Ohio-based Christian group were released in Haiti, leaving 12 captives of the 400 Mawozo gang.... Read more

Rebuilding project in Haiti

Christians pray, fast for release of missionaries kidnapped in Haiti

Oct 22, 2021

By Christine Rousselle

The ringleader behind the kidnappings of 17 missionaries in Haiti has threatened to kill the hostages unless he received his... Read more

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de l’Assomption in Cap-Haitien, Haiti

Christian aid group requests prayers for kidnapped missionaries in Haiti

Oct 19, 2021

By Christine Rousselle

The gang responsible for the kidnapping of 17 missionaries in Haiti is demanding a $17 million ransom for their safe... Read more

Sister Gloria Cecilia Narváez

Nun released nearly five years after kidnapping in Mali thanks God

Oct 19, 2021

By Walter Sánchez Silva

Sister Gloria Cecilia Narváez Argoti, a missionary who was abducted in Mali in February 2017 and held for nearly five... Read more

Fr. Benson Bulus Luka was kidnapped from his parish residence in Nigeria’s Kafanchan diocese on Sept. 13, 2021.

Catholic diocese rejoices as priest is freed barely 24 hours after kidnapping

Sep 16, 2021

By CNA Staff

“Barely 24 hours after his kidnap, our beloved brother priest was released by his abductors.” Read more

Father Benson Bulus Luka was kidnapped from his parish residence in Nigeria’s Kafanchan Diocese on Sept. 13, 2021.Kafanchan Diocese

Urgent prayers needed for kidnapped Nigerian priest

Sep 14, 2021

By Jude Atemanke

Prayers are being sought for the quick and safe release of a Catholic priest, Father Benson Bulus Luka, kidnapped from... Read more

Sister Gloria Cecilia Narváez

Prayers asked for nun kidnapped in Mali in 2017

Aug 11, 2021

By Walter Sánchez Silva

An initiative that works to highlight persecution of Christians released Friday a video seeking prayers for Sister Gloria Cecilia Nárvaez... Read more

Crucifix file photo

Abducted Catholic priest, catechist released by Burmese militia

Aug 6, 2021

By Jose Torres, Jr.

Father Noel Hrang Tin Thang and an unnamed catechist were traveling from the town of Surkhua to Hakha when nabbed... Read more

Archbishop of Port-au-Prince Max Leroy Mésidor.

Remaining Catholic clergy kidnapped in Haiti finally released

Apr 30, 2021

By CNA Staff

The Society of Priests of St. Jacques announced this Friday, April 30th, that the remaining seven of the 10 Catholic... Read more