A priest in Nigeria who was abducted in March has been confirmed dead.
Archdiocese of Kaduna said in a statement that Fr Joseph Akete Bako was killed by his abductors between 18th and 20th April.
"Father Joseph (aged 48) was kidnapped from his residence, in St John Catholic Church, Kudenda, where he was serving as parish priest, on the 8th March 2022," the statement reads.
"The fact of circumstances leading to his death and the date of the incident have been carefully verified, hence the communication at this time."
It added: "Kindly continue to pray for his peaceful repose, and for the consolation of the bereaved Christian community in the Archdiocese of Kaduna."
Meanwhile, it's emerged that another priest was kidnapped on 8th May.
According to Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) , Fr Alphonsus Uboh was taken from his residence at St Pius X Parish, Ikot Abasi Akpan in Mkpat Enin local government area.
The Diocese of Uyo released a statement saying: "The unfortunate event happened on Sunday 8th May, 2022 around 7:30pm, shortly after he returned to his residence from visiting a sick member [of the parish].
"We call on all men and women of goodwill to pray for his release from the hands of his abductors."
Fr Emmanuel Anyanwu spoke to ACN, about the resilience of the Christian community in the face of frequent kidnappings of priests, as well as Islamist violence by groups such as Boko Haram.
He said: "Christians in Nigeria have continued to blossom in vocation and the faith. The Easter celebrations were clear evidence of this. Christians in Nigeria are asking everyone to pray for them as persecution increases daily.
"The faith continues to grow in the midst of these challenges. However, there is also some fear among the priests in trouble areas. But their courage in the midst of these challenges has been extremely exceptional."
He added: "These groups have been indoctrinated with evil extremists' teachings. They see Western education and Christianity as evil. They use killings as a way of worship and forcing the evil extremist practice on the people.
"Those who reject these doctrines are killed. They intend to achieve the caliphate of Boko Haram and total Islamic government in Nigeria."
