Tension and grief have gripped parts of Borno State following the abduction of a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Daniel Afina, and nine others by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists along the Gwoza-Limankara Road. One person was reportedly killed during the ambush.
Sources in Maiduguri told Leadership that Rev. Fr. Afina, who also serves as the project coordinator of a Christian non-governmental organization (NGO), was returning from Mubi in a vehicle accompanied by two members of his staff when the attack occurred.
According to eyewitness accounts, the terrorists ambushed the vehicle, murdered one of the NGO staff on the spot, and forcibly took the priest along with nine other victims. Several others reportedly fled into nearby bushes to escape the violence.
Hobnob News Nigeria confirmed that Fr. Afina’s family has spoken with him briefly, after the terrorists allowed him to contact them and confirm his abduction. However, there has been no further communication, and the abductors have not made any ransom demands as of the time of this report.
A senior official of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Borno State has also confirmed the incident, acknowledging both the abduction of the priest and the death of one of the NGO staff members.
The latest attack highlights the persistent threat posed by terrorist groups operating in the North-East, despite ongoing military operations in the region. It has also raised fresh concerns over the safety of humanitarian workers and religious figures, who often travel through volatile areas in service of vulnerable communities.
Security forces have yet to issue an official statement, but sources indicate that search-and-rescue efforts may already be underway.
The Christian community in Borno and beyond has called for urgent intervention, praying for the safe return of Rev. Fr. Afina and the other abducted individuals.
