Rev. Alphonsus Afina Abducted by Boko Haram in Borno State
A Nigerian Catholic priest, Rev. Alphonsus Afina, was abducted by Boko Haram extremists along with other travelers in northeastern Nigeria’s Borno state. This incident occurred on June 1 near Gwoza, close to the Cameroon border, as Afina was traveling from Mubi to Maiduguri for a workshop.
Attack on Afina’s Convoy: A Harrowing Incident
According to church officials, Rev. Afina’s convoy was ambushed by the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram while waiting for clearance at a military checkpoint. The attack took place near the town of Gwoza, and a rocket-propelled grenade struck one of the vehicles, causing one fatality and leaving others injured.
In a phone call with Bishop John Bogna Bakeni of Maiduguri, who was informed of the incident, Rev. Afina was reported to be “sounding OK” and “in good spirits,” despite the exhaustion caused by the traumatic ordeal. Bishop Bakeni also confirmed that it remains unclear whether Rev. Afina was specifically targeted, as a large number of travelers were caught in the ambush.
Boko Haram Claims Responsibility for Abduction
Rev. Robert Fath, the vicar general of the diocese of Fairbanks, Alaska, confirmed that he had received a call from Boko Haram, who confirmed that they were in possession of Afina. The priest had served in Alaska from 2017 to 2024 before returning to Nigeria to work with the Justice, Development, and Peace Commission, a Catholic social justice group.
Growing Violence in Northern and Central Nigeria
The ongoing conflict in Nigeria’s northern and central regions has led to a significant rise in violence, with armed groups like Boko Haram frequently targeting rural communities. This has resulted in numerous deaths and an alarming increase in abductions for ransom. These attacks sometimes target religious figures such as priests and other members of the clergy.
In a similar incident in March, a priest in central Nigeria was kidnapped and killed by unidentified armed men. Boko Haram, which emerged in 2009, aims to impose their radical version of Islamic law and oppose Western education, often resulting in violence across Nigeria and its neighboring regions.
The Toll of Boko Haram’s Violence
Boko Haram’s insurgency has resulted in the deaths of around 35,000 civilians, according to the United Nations. The group’s violence has also displaced more than 2 million people across the region, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in northeastern Nigeria.
Conclusion
The abduction of Rev. Alphonsus Afina highlights the ongoing security challenges in northeastern Nigeria. As Boko Haram continues its violent campaign, religious figures and ordinary citizens alike remain at risk, and the Nigerian government struggles to contain the insurgency. The international community continues to call for greater support to combat the growing threat of extremism in the region.
