Sigh of relief after abducted Tanzanian released in Nigeria

The Frater was abducted by unknown people on August 3, 2023, at the Saint Luke Gyedna Parish in Minna Province.

He was abducted alongside Fr Paul Sanogo of Burkina Faso and the duo were held captive for almost three weeks.

Tanzania’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Benson Bana, said yesterday the two released safely early on Wednesday.

They were undergoing a medical check-up at a local health centre since they “passed through difficult and dangerous moments during the time they were in captivity”.

“I would like to thank the government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, the Federal Government of Nigeria for the efforts they have put in collaboration with the High Commissioner’s office and leaders of the Catholic Church in the Minna Province that prompted release through diplomatic methods,” Dr Bana said.

“Other procedures including Melkiori’s possibility of returning home to see his parents and society in general will be communicated later, but we are thankful to Kigoma and Mina Diocese Bishops for prayers as well as the Tanzania diaspora in Nigeria for prayers and following up the incident.”

Dr Bana, a former University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) academic and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation permanent secretary, played a pivotal role in providing continuous support to efforts to have the captives freed.

In a statement, the Missionaries of Africa says the two Major Seminarians regained their freedom on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, noting that they were both fine, alive and healthy despite the traumatizing experience they went through in the hands of abductors.

“When this happened, we asked for your moral support and prayers. Their release is a confirmation of your fervent prayers and support. That is why I come back to you all in appreciation for being there for us during this dark, difficult and trying moment,” reads the missionaries statement in part.

The statement signed by the provincial superior, Rev. Fr. PAM Dennis thanks all supporters from far and near for involvement in their liberation, noting that they are also praying for the conversion of those who continue to think that the easiest way to make money is by hurting others.

“May we continue to be givers of life wherever we are and in whatever we do so that those to whom we are sent may have life in abundance,” reads another part of the statement.

The frater’s father, Mr Dominick Mahinini, expressed his excitement after learning about the liberation of his son.

Mr Mhanini proposed that his son should return home first before continuing with his mission in Nigeria, thanking Tanzania and Nigeria governments as well as the Catholic Church for dedicated efforts.

“My son should return home first in order for us to see him,” he told The Citizen’s sister newspaper Mwananchi reporter as he was speaking from Kigoma.

Kigoma Catholic Diocese secretary Achiles Charukula thanked God and worshippers whose prayers have been answered.

“We thank the government and the Tanzania High Commissioner to Nigeria for their support. We also thank Mwananchi Communications Limited newspapers for reporting the incident first in the country, something that prompted the government's intervention,” said Fr Charukula.

Fr Charukula who doubles as Kigoma Diocese Bishop thanked the Nigeria government and the Missionaries of Africa for cooperation.