Fr. Alphonsus Afina, a Nigerian priest who served in the Diocese of Fairbanks Alaska, was abducted by Islamist militants in Nigeria on June 1, 2025. Aid to the Church in Need International confirmed the priest's release on July 21. Afina was kidnapped in Borno state, Nigeria, and Boko Haram was identified as responsible. Afina is reportedly on his way back to his community and is expected to return to his parish soon. The Diocese of Fairbanks had previously received unofficial news that Afina was alive and recovering from injuries.
5 months ago
Father Alphonsus Afina, a Nigerian priest who previously served in the Diocese of Fairbanks, Alaska, from 2017 to 2024, has been safely released after 51 days in captivity 1 2 4 5. He was abducted on June 1, 2025, by Islamist militants, identified as Boko Haram, in Nigeria's Borno state 1 2 4. The Diocese of Fairbanks announced his freedom on July 21, expressing gratitude for the prayers offered during his ordeal 2 4.
Father Afina was ambushed while traveling from Mubi, his current pastoral assignment, to Maiduguri for a workshop 1. The attack occurred at a military checkpoint, where a rocket-propelled grenade struck one of the vehicles in his convoy, resulting in one fatality and several injuries 1. During his captivity, unofficial channels indicated he was alive but recovering from leg wounds sustained from being tightly bound 1.
Upon his release on July 21, Father Afina was freed alongside ten women who were also held hostage 4 5. Auxiliary Bishop John Bakeni of Maiduguri confirmed his release, noting that while Father Afina appeared "a bit frail and tired," he was "in good health" and emotionally stable 2 4 5. Church leaders are arranging medical check-ups and rest for him before he reunites with his family 4 5.
Both the Diocese of Fairbanks and the Pontifical Mission Societies of Nigeria had called for continuous prayers for Father Afina's safe return 1 2 4. Bishop Steven Maekawa of Fairbanks celebrated a Mass for him and encouraged the faithful to pray, likening their collective prayers to the friends who brought the paralyzed man to Jesus for healing 1. His release is widely regarded as a "true miracle," attributed to widespread prayers and the intercession of Our Lady 2 4 5.
Father Afina's kidnapping highlights the ongoing threat of extremist violence in northern Nigeria, where priests and laypeople are frequently targeted 1 5. According to a Fides Agency report, 145 priests have been abducted in Nigeria since 2015, with 11 killed and four still missing as of March 1. Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) International, which confirmed Father Afina's release, actively supports persecuted Christians in the region through pastoral aid, trauma healing, and community rebuilding efforts 1 5. The Diocese of Fairbanks continues to urge prayers for other individuals still held captive in Nigeria 2 4.
How does the Church respond to persecution of its clergy?
The Catholic Church responds to the persecution of its clergy with deep sorrow, solidarity, prayer, and a steadfast commitment to defending religious freedom and supporting those who suffer for their faith .
The Church expresses profound sorrow and paternal compassion for clergy who are attacked, imprisoned, exiled, or otherwise impeded from exercising their ministry . This suffering is seen as an offense against the entire Church . Popes have consistently voiced their solidarity with persecuted bishops, priests, and religious, acknowledging the immense good their prayer and sacrifice bring to the Mystical Body of Christ . The Church recognizes that these individuals, by their steadfast presence and suffering, bear witness to God's unwavering presence among His people .
A primary response of the Church is fervent prayer for those undergoing persecution . This includes prayers for their sustenance, strength, consolation, and for their speedy restoration to their ministries if they have been removed . The entire Church unites with the persecuted in a communion of prayer and sorrow, with the certainty that final victory will be hers . Popes have offered the trials of persecuted clergy, along with the prayers and sufferings of the whole Church, to the Divine Redeemer daily at the altar . The faithful are also encouraged to offer acts of penance, works of virtue, and sacrifices for the persecuted .
The Holy See actively undertakes steps to advocate for religious freedom for all Churches in full communion with it, working in union with local Episcopates, clergy, and communities of the faithful . The Church's mission is inherently religious, and the principle of religious freedom and freedom of conscience is considered a fundamental human right . When the situation of religious freedom is deplorable, the Apostolic See feels compelled to raise its voice and present these concerns to the conscience of states, regimes, and all of humanity . The Church's commitment to promoting human dignity and integral progress includes encouraging the spiritual and religious dimension of individuals, families, and social life, which necessitates the guarantee of true freedom to carry out its mission .
Despite the difficulties and active persecution, the Church exhorts its clergy and faithful to persevere courageously in their battle for God's cause . Those who suffer persecution for justice's sake are promised beatitude and abundant rewards . The Church believes that God, in His merciful designs, will sustain them with heavenly favors, consolations, and joy . The suffering of persecuted clergy is seen as a mysterious source of light and vigor for the Church, fulfilling the words of St. Paul: "What is weak in the world, God has chosen to confound what is strong; what is weakness of God is stronger than men" (1 Cor 1:27, 25) .