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Posted on 06/06/2025 1:18:03 PM PDT by Twotone
Fr. Alphonsus Afina, who served as a priest for many years in the Catholic Diocese of Fairbanks, has been captured by the militant Islamist terrorist group – Boko Haram – in his home Diocese of Maiduguri, Nigeria.
A social media alert sent on June 2 by Fairbanks Bishop Steven Maekawa called on parishioners to join him for a special Mass on June 3 to pray for Fr. Afina.
“I ask for your urgent prayers for Fr. Alphonsus Afina,” Bishop Maekawa stated. “As many of you know, Fr. Alphonsus served in our diocese for six and half years and returned to Nigeria in April 2024. Pray for his freedom from captivity and for his physical and spiritual strength.”
During the Mass, local clergy and parishioners joined Bishop Maekawa, where he urged them to pray unceasingly for Fr. Afina – morning, noon and night. Fairbanks Bishop Steven Maekawa offers a June 3 Mass for the safety of Fr. Alphonsus Afina.
Fr. Afina served in the Fairbanks Diocese from 2017 until he returned to Nigeria in April of last year. He served in Nome, Kotzebue, Little Diomede, Teller, Saint Michael, Stebbins, and Unalakleet during his time in the Fairbanks Diocese.
He spent most of his time ministering to the communities of the Seward Peninsula and Norton Sound area.
Upon his departure from Alaska, Fr. Afina returned to Nigeria to lead the Diocese of Maiduguri’s first trauma treatment center for victims of terrorism.
For more than two decades, Fr. Afina’s homeland has been terrorized by Boko Haram, which ascribes to a militant vision of establishing Sharia Law, and overthrowing the government.
According to the 2025 Global Christian Relief (GCR) Red List report, Africa, and in particular Nigeria, is the most dangerous region for Christians.
The report was based on information from the Violent Incidents Database, launched by the International Institute for Religious Freedom (IIRF).
According to IIRF, Nigeria is by far the most dangerous country for Christians with nearly 10,000 being killed between November 2022 and November 2024, primarily by Islamic extremist groups such as Boko Haram, Armed Fulani Herdsmen, and the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The GCR report notes that the Nigerian government have failed in stopping attacks on Christians. Despite the killings in Africa and elsewhere, these persecuted Christian communities have continued to grow, according to Global Christian Relief Executive Director Brian Orme.
“Even in the darkest circumstances, the Church not only survives but grows stronger — millions are choosing to follow Jesus despite knowing the risks they face,” he said last year. “Working closely with our partners on the ground in these high-risk areas, we provide emergency aid, safe houses, and trauma counseling to Christians facing violent persecution.”
Click here: to donate by Credit Card
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Or by mail to: Free Republic, LLC - PO Box 9771 - Fresno, CA 93794
Thank you very much and God bless you.
RE: Nigeria is by far the most dangerous country for Christians with nearly 10,000 being killed between November 2022 and November 2024.
Religion can cost a life. I hope he survives.
Do unto Muzzies as they would do unto you...times a million.
Hate.
It’s what they do.
Been saying that since 1971...my first trip to the ME.
Been doing this for over 1400 years, after all they are the religion of peace.
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