Nigerian Archdiocese Still Doesn't Know Why Their Bishop Was Kidnapped

Cellphone video of Auxiliary Bishop Moses Chikwe (Screenshot/Facebook/Archdiocese of Owerri)

Weeks after the abduction and subsequent release of a high-ranking Catholic church official in Nigeria, faith leaders and police investigators are still scratching their heads as they try to understand what the kidnappers wanted.

Bishop Moses Chikwe of the Archdiocese of Owerri was abducted on the evening of Dec. 27, along with his driver, Ndubuisi Robert.

The archdiocese immediately began a call for prayers for Chikwe’s safe return, and officials hoped to receive some form of communication from either the bishop or the kidnappers. Rumors began to spread that the bishop had been executed, though the archdiocese repeatedly denied such claims.

The pope brought the issue to worldwide attention during his remarks after the Angelus on New Year’s Day, saying, “We ask the Lord that they and all those who are victims of similar acts in Nigeria may return unharmed to freedom and that that dear country may regain security, concord and peace.”

On Jan. 1, Chikwe and Robert were both released. The bishop was “unhurt” and released “without ransom,” according to a statement from the archdiocese.

However, police are no closer to understanding the circumstances of the abduction, nor the criminals’ purpose.

In a statement to Religion Unplugged, the Archdiocese of Owerri said that no reason was given for the kidnapping of the bishop.

“Not at all,” the archdiocese told Religion Unplugged. “None from police investigation.”

While Chikwe suffered only minor injuries, his driver, Robert, suffered a severe cut to his hand, but is otherwise okay. Both, however, are shaken by the attack.

"I personally visited and saw Bishop Chikwe in his residence at about 10:45pm looking and feeling very weak from the traumatic experience,” Archbishop Anthony Obinna wrote in a letter to his parish. “Nevertheless, we continue to thank Almighty God for His goodness to us."

He continued, “At the time of my visit, Mr. Ndubuisi Robert, the driver, was unavailable because he had been speedily taken to the hospital for the treatment of a deep cut he received on his hand from the kidnappers."

The archdiocese told Religion Unplugged that no message was given to the bishop, nor Robert. Neither church officials nor police have heard from the perpetrators, and no statement has been sent.

When asked, the archdiocese emphasized that security and protection for worshipers was being bolstered to prevent any further harm to clergy or laity.

“Absolutely yes,” the archdiocese wrote. “We are calling on Christians to be security conscious as well.”

The archbishop thanked the pope for his request for prayers, saying, “I sincerely thank the Holy Father, Pope Francis for mentioning the captivity of Bishop Moses Chikwe and Mr. Ndubuisi Robert and praying for their release at his New Year Angelus Message at the Vatican just hours before they regained their freedom."

Officials are still investigating the incident with help from the Archdiocese of Owerri.

Timothy Nerozzi is a writer and editor from northeastern Pennsylvania. He covers religious issues with a focus on the Catholic Church and Japanese society and culture.