Two Catholic priests and two church workers narrowly escaped death when suspected armed bandits set ablaze a seminary building at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church in Kamantan Town, Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, in what authorities believe was a failed attempt to abduct clergy members.
The attack, which occurred on the cool evening of Thursday, September 7, 2023, left a 25-year-old seminarian, Na’aman Danlami, dead after he was trapped in the inferno that engulfed part of the church premises.
Sources within the church community told our correspondent that the armed assailants invaded the area with the apparent mission of kidnapping priests stationed at the parish. However, their attempt was reportedly thwarted after they encountered difficulty gaining access into the main church premises.
Unable to penetrate the compound easily, the attackers allegedly resorted to arson, setting the seminary building on fire in a desperate move that ultimately led to the tragic death of the young seminarian.
Among those who escaped the attack were the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Okolo, and the Assistant Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Monday Noah. Two church workers identified as Osemwengie Chris and Bala Achigaba, who are responsible for maintaining and cleaning the church environment, also managed to flee the burning building unharmed.
St. Raphael’s Catholic Church is located in the heart of Kamantan Town, close to the busy Kaduna–Kafanchan highway, an area that has witnessed several security challenges in recent years.
Church sources described the incident as a “dastardly act” that has left members of the parish and the wider community in shock and mourning.
Further reports indicate that the late seminarian, Na’aman Danlami, was unable to escape the flames after the attackers set the building ablaze during the raid.
The tragic incident comes amid growing concern over the increasing number of attacks targeting members of the clergy in Nigeria. According to reports by a Catholic charity foundation, four Catholic priests were killed and at least 28 kidnapped in the country in 2022 alone. The number of clergy members falling victim to kidnappings and attacks has reportedly continued to rise in 2023.
In the aftermath of the attack, the Catholic pontifical foundation called for prayers for the repose of the deceased seminarian and comfort for his family.
“We appeal for prayers for the repose of Na’aman Danlami and for consolation for his immediate family,” the foundation said in a statement.
A church source also revealed that the late Danlami is the second seminarian from the diocese to lose his life to armed bandit attacks, underscoring the growing dangers faced by religious workers in parts of the country.
Security agencies are yet to issue an official statement on the incident, while residents of Kamantan and surrounding communities have called for increased security presence to prevent further attacks.
