Charles Esther
A Nigerian-born Catholic priest who spent over six years serving the faithful in Alaska has been kidnapped by the terrorist group Boko Haram after returning to his home country.
Father Alphonsus Afina, who ministered in the Diocese of Fairbanks, Alaska, was abducted on June 1, 2025, in Borno State, northeastern Nigeria.
According to Bishop Steven Maekawa, OP, of Fairbanks, Afina was captured while serving in the Diocese of Maiduguri.
The bishop expressed his deep concern and called for prayer.
“Pray for his freedom from captivity and for his physical and spiritual strength,” Bishop Maekawa urged in a public statement.
Special Mass Planned at Sacred Heart Cathedral
Bishop Maekawa also announced that a special Mass would be celebrated for Father Afina at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Fairbanks.
Father Afina had returned to Nigeria in April after faithfully serving the Fairbanks diocese for six and a half years.
His dedication left a lasting impact on the local Catholic community, which is now uniting in prayer and solidarity.
Details of the Kidnapping
Aid to the Church in Need, a papal charity, reported that Afina was kidnapped along with two others in the Gwoza region while traveling to Maiduguri.
Maiduguri Auxiliary Bishop John Bagna Bakeni confirmed that their vehicle was caught in a deadly crossfire between Nigerian soldiers and Boko Haram militants.
Tragically, the clash resulted in several fatalities.
Bishop Bakeni stated that Boko Haram had contacted the diocese and provided proof that Father Afina was still alive.
This has brought a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty and fear surrounding his fate.
Response from the Diocese of Fairbanks
The Diocese of Fairbanks has not issued further comment, but Father Robert Fath, the vicar general, spoke to local media.
“There’s not much we can do,” he said, “except pray.”
“It’s the most powerful thing that we can do at this point — pray for his strength during this time of captivity and persecution.”
He added, “We are hopeful that our prayers, our intercessions, will soften their hearts to release him.”
Rising Threat Against Clergy in Nigeria
Father Afina is the 15th religious person to be kidnapped in Nigeria in 2025, according to Aid to the Church in Need.
The kidnapping underscores the increasing danger that clergy and religious face in parts of Nigeria, particularly in regions plagued by extremist violence.
The global Catholic community, especially those who knew Father Afina during his ministry in Alaska, continues to hope for his safe and swift release.
Masses, vigils, and prayers are being offered not only in Alaska but around the world in solidarity with Father Afina and all those affected by religious persecution.
