Boko Haram frees Catholic priest, 10 others in Borno

A Catholic Reverend Father in Borno State, Alphonsus Afina, who was kidnapped on June 1 by Boko Haram insurgents, has regained freedom.

Also, 10 women regained freedom from captivity in the state.

Our correspondent gathered that the Reverend Father and others, who were kidnapped in an insurgent attack around Gwoza-Ngwoche area of the state, were released on Monday.

The Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Borno State chapter, Apostle Joshua Akeredolu, confirmed the release of the cleric on Tuesday.

He was released yesterday (Monday). He was kidnapped in an attack in the axis between Gwoza and Ngwoche, where an NGO staff member passed away. It was that day,” he said.

Speaking on other kidnapped victims, he said, “Currently, this is the one we know, we are yet to know of the others”

He, however, noted that the Catholic body had made arrangements for medical treatment for the priest.

I was just informed that the Catholic body is taking him out of the state for essential care,” he said.

Efforts to get the spokesperson of Operation Hadin Kai,  Capt Reuben Kovangiya, for comments failed as he neither picked nor returned calls.

However, a security source who pleaded not to be identified said that 10 other victims were rescued alongside Afina by the operatives of the Department of State Service and the Nigerian Army.

“10 women were rescued alongside the Reverend father alive,” the source said