By Sunny A. David, Awka
The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Chukwuemeka Ezeokafor, has expressed deep concern over the increasing cases of child kidnapping, especially in Catholic schools.
His alarm follows the recent designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” by U.S. President Donald Trump an action he believes has coincided with heightened persecution of Christians.
Speaking after the Benediction that concluded the annual Christ the King procession at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Awka, Bishop Ezeokafor warned that the children abducted by criminal groups could be at risk of being used as human shields.
The Bishop addressed the large congregation that participated in the procession from various parishes across Awka metropolis.
He urged Nigerians to intensify prayers for the nation’s security situation and for the protection of Christian communities.
Ezeokafor alleged that some groups may be seeking to impose their religious agenda on the country, calling on Christians to remain vigilant and spiritually steadfast.
He also criticized certain national leaders and religious figures whom he accused of inconsistency and double standards in their public statements.
“We must remain alert. We should not assume that danger is far from us,” he cautioned.
He urged continuous prayers for Nigeria and particularly for the safety of Christians.
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