Diocese of Sokoto

The Latest

Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Diocese of Sokoto in Nigeria.

Nigerian bishop: Tens of thousands spent to rescue kidnapped priests, seminarians

Nov 3, 2023

By ACI Africa

Most of the money has been spent rescuing priests, seminarians, and other pastoral caregivers who were kidnapped by various militia... Read more

Formerly detained Father Oliver Opara (left) with Ummi Hassan; Bishop Matthew Kukah of the Diocese of Sokoto (not an abductee); Father Stephen Ojapah; and Hassan Fareed Hassan after the four were released from being held captive by terrorists.

Freed Nigerian priest recounts details of his kidnapping by insurgents

Sep 7, 2022

By Douglas Burton

Father Stephen Ojapah had fallen fast asleep late on May 25 after an exhausting day of parish work when two... 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

Holy Family Catholic Cathedral in Sokoto, northwest Nigeria.

Catholic cathedral attacked in Nigeria after arrests over ‘blasphemy’ killing

May 15, 2022

By CNA Staff

The attack took place amid protests demanding the release of two suspects in the killing of a Christian student. Read more

Fr. Joe Keke, 75, who was released after spending two weeks in captivity, June 3, 2021. Credit: Fr. Chris Omotosho.

Priest abducted in Nigeria released

Jun 3, 2021

By Evans Kipkura

Fr. Joe Keke, who was kidnapped along with slain Fr. Alphonsus Bello when a parish of the Diocese of Sokoto... Read more

Good Shepherd Seminary in Kaduna, Nigeria, whence four seminarians were abducted Jan. 8, 2020.

Nigerian bishop laments continuing insecurity since seminarian's killing a year ago

Feb 15, 2021

One year after the burial of Michael Nnadi, an 18-year-old Nigerian seminarian abducted and killed by gunmen, the local bishop... Read more

The funeral Mass of Michael Nnadi at Good Shepherd Seminary in Kaduna, Nigeria, Feb. 11, 2020. Photo courtesy of the Diocese of Maiduguri.

Seminarian's killing a 'defining moment' for Christians in Nigeria

Feb 11, 2020

At the funeral Mass for Michael Nnadi, the 18-year-old seminarian abducted and killed by gunmen last month, Bishop Matthew Hassan... Read more

Refugees in the Diocese of Maiduguri, Nigeria, September 2014.

In run-up to presidential vote, Nigerian bishop slams government corruption

Feb 13, 2015

Bitterly condemning “the ugly tide of corruption” in Nigeria’s government, the Bishop of Sokoto has highlighted the challenges awaiting the... Read more