Gunmen kidnap Catholic priest in Plateau

Unknown gunmen have abducted Rev. Fr. James Kantoma, the Parish priest of St. Anthony Catholic Church, Angware in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State.

It was gathered that Kantoma, who is the chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the local government, was kidnapped by the gunmen at the church’s vicarage on Sunday night.

The abduction of the Catholic priest was confirmed by the Plateau State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Alabo Alfred, on Monday.

Alfred said the command has deployed police officers and operatives from the anti-kidnapping unit to the community.

READ ALSO: Gunmen abduct Anglican Bishop, wife in Oyo

“Our men are already working to ensure that the cleric regains his freedom and apprehend those behind the abduction,” the police spokesperson said.

Speaking on the incident, the CAN chairman in Plateau State, Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo, described the abduction of the cleric as ”unfortunate and sad”.

He said: “Since the gunmen took the priest away, we have not heard anything either from him or the abductors.

“This is so sad, but we are praying for him that no harm will befall him wherever he is.”

Lubo, however, called on government and security agencies to ensure the release of the abducted priest and others in captivity.

The Star