The kidnappers shot the parish security guard, who died on the way to the hospital.
In his June 20 statement, Klaver appealed for prayers for the soul of the late security guard and for the complete healing of Nwaohuocha.
“Let us pray for the full recovery of his health and for the repose of the soul of the deceased, who leaves [behind] a family [wife and children],” he said.
The kidnapping and release of Nwaohuocha is the latest in a series of abductions that have targeted members of the clergy, seminarians, and other Christians in Africa’s most populous nation.
On June 11, Father Jeremiah Yakubu, a priest of Kafanchan Diocese, was kidnapped and later released.
On June 7, Father Charles Onomhoale Igechi, a member of the clergy of the Archdiocese of Benin City who was set to mark his first anniversary as a priest on Aug. 13, was shot dead while returning from pastoral duties.
