Africa

“Christians are being kidnapped every day, killed every day in this country,” said Emeka Umeagbalasi, director of the nongovernmental agency Intersociety.

Attacks and kidnappings for ransom have troubled Nigeria for several years, but incidents have spiked recently in the country’s central and western regions.

“With profound relief and thanksgiving, we celebrate that every child and every staff member has now returned to safety after weeks of fear, uncertainty, and intense prayer,” said Sister Mary …

Where violence, poverty and division seem to suffocate hope, the birth of the Son of God continues to shine forth as the most radical sign of God’s closeness.

Reeling from the Nov. 21 kidnapping of more than 250 kids and teachers from a Catholic school in central Nigeria, Bishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna of Kontagora said trauma, helplessness and …

The rising kidnapping of foreign nationals and local Christians has left a feeling that the Sahel region is “an endangered place for missionaries.”

The students were both male and female and ranged in age from 10 to 18, the Christian Association of Nigeria said in a statement.

“Kivu is … full of precious resources that has always been contested,” said Father Giovanni Piumatti. “That is why these Islamist groups receive backing.”

“Despite the fear, despite the loss, our people still come to church,” the bishop said. “Our faith is alive — maybe more alive than ever.”

Bishop Gabriel Dunia of Auchi “expressed his deep pain and sorrow over the loss of the young seminarian” and urged intensified efforts to protect people.