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Nigerian Military Arrests Eight Suspects Over Killing of Catholic Seminarian In Kaduna State

FILE
September 29, 2023

Some gunmen had killed Na’aman when they attacked the rectory of St Raphael Catholic Church, Fadan-Kamatan of Zango-Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

No fewer than eight suspected killers of Na’aman Stephen, a Catholic seminarian, have been reportedly arrested by Special Military Task Force, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH).

Some gunmen had killed Na’aman when they attacked the rectory of St Raphael Catholic Church, Fadan-Kamatan of Zango-Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The seminarian was killed in the night when the criminals set the rectory ablaze after a failed kidnap attempt on the two priests working in the parish.

However, Captain James Oya, the Media Officer of OPSH while addressing newsmen on Friday in Plateau State, said among the arrested suspects were those who killed Dorathy Jonathan at Afana community of Zangon Kataf, after they failed to have carnal knowledge of her.

He explained that 31 weapons of various categories were recovered during the operation which led to the arrest of the suspects.

“Among these suspects are those in connection with the murder of Mrs Dorathy Jonathan on September 1 at Afana Village in Zango Kataf. Also, these suspects involved in the attack and burning of St Raphael’s Catholic Church Fadan Kamatan on September 7, are also here.

”Recall that the attack led to the death of Na’aman Stephen, a seminarian serving at the parish," he added.

“The swift response of our troops rescued Rev. Frs. Emmanuel Okolo and Noah Monday, the parish priest and his assistant.

”On the whole, we have eight suspects in our custody who are arrested for committing the above crimes and also running a gun manufacturing factory in the area,” he added.