Christians are being urged to pray for a Catholic priest who has been kidnapped in Kaduna state, Nigeria. 

In a statement shared with Association for Catholic Information Africa (ACI Africa), the chancellor of the Kafanchan Diocese, Father Emmanuel Uchechukwu, said Father Benson Bulus Luka "was abducted from his residence at St. Matthew's Catholic Church" on 13th September. 

"While we solicit for an intense prayer for his quick and safe release, we equally wish to call on all and sundry to refrain from taking the laws into their hands," Fr Uchechukwu said.

"We will use every legitimate means to ensure his quick and safe release."

Fr Bulus' kidnapping is the latest attack on Christians living in Kaduna state. Earlier this year, Human Rights Without Frontiers reported at least 3,462 Christians had been "hacked to death" during the last 200 days. 

Last month, Catholic Bishops in Nigeria called on the Government to act and "take full responsibility for the present culture of violence," and urged "the Government and security agencies to do all they can to secure the immediate release of Leah Sharibu, the remaining Chibok girls and all the other persons still in captivity."

Fr Uchechukwu concluded its statement saying: "May Jesus, crucified on the Cross, listen to our prayers and hasten the unconditional release of His priest and all other kidnapped persons."