Unknown gunmen have attacked and kidnap a Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. James Kantoma, at St Anthony’s Parish, Angware community in the Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Newsonline reports that the gunmen headed to the Rev. Fr. James Kantoma, parish building opened fire to scare aware residents, and kidnapped the priest, an eyewitness said.
Rev. Fr. James Kantoma, who is also the chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the Council area, was abducted by the gunmen on Monday morning.
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A resident of the community, Paul Aware who confirmed the abduction of the priest said, ” When the gunmen arrived in the community early hours of the morning, they moved straight to the house of the Reverend Father.
“Some youths in the area, who were alerted, tried to stop them and even gave them a hot chase into the bush but the gunmen started shooting everywhere and eventually took the Reverend Father away.”
The State Chairman of CAN, Polycarp Lubo, also confirmed the abduction of the cleric to reporters in Jos.
Lubo said, “Since the gunmen took the Reverend Father away, we have not heard anything either from him or the abductors up till this afternoon. This is so sad. But we are praying for him that no harm will befall him wherever he is.”
Police Public Relations Officer, Plateau command, Alabo Alfred, said, our men are already working to ensure that the Reverend father regains his freedom and apprehend those behind the abduction.”
