Boko Haram seizes American missionary in Borno
Tensions are rising in northeastern Nigeria following the abduction of a Catholic priest by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State. The clergyman, identified as Fr. Matthew O’Connor—a former missionary in Alaska—was reportedly kidnapped during a pastoral visit to a rural parish near the volatile Sambisa Forest axis.
The Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri confirmed the incident in an official statement on Monday, appealing for urgent government action and calling on Nigerians to offer prayers for Fr. O’Connor’s safe return.
“This is a tragic reminder of the ongoing insecurity in our region,” the Diocese said. “We urge security forces to intensify efforts toward his immediate rescue and bring the perpetrators to justice.”
Security agencies have launched an investigation and are working with local intelligence units to track the priest’s whereabouts. Sources say the area has witnessed sporadic attacks in recent months, despite claims of progress in the fight against insurgency.
Human rights advocates and religious leaders have condemned the abduction, describing it as a direct assault on religious freedom and a violation of international humanitarian law.
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“It is unacceptable that clergy, humanitarian workers, and civilians remain targets in a conflict that has dragged on for more than a decade,” said Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Bala, a regional interfaith leader. “The government must act decisively.”
Fr. O’Connor, known for his decades-long missionary work in the United States before returning to serve in Nigeria, had reportedly been working to rebuild communities affected by conflict and displacement.
The incident comes amid ongoing concerns about the resurgence of militant activities in Nigeria’s northeast, particularly in regions close to insurgent hideouts like Sambisa Forest.
