27-year-old Tanzanian Melkiori Dominick Mahinini was taken hostage in Nigeria and is now being held for ransom in the amount of $70,000 (Sh170 million).

The Major Seminarian hails from Kabanga Parish in the Kigoma Region and was sent to Nigeria by the Africa Missionary Society for his studies.

Bishop Joseph Mlola of the Kigoma Catholic Diocese said that the Frater and Priest Paul Sanogo of Burkina Faso were both kidnapped in Nigeria's Minna Province.

“The two were abducted on August 3, 2023 by unknown people at the Saint Luke Gyedna Parish in the Minna Province,” said Bishop Mlola.

“The Frater has been in Nigeria for a missionary mission before proceeding for theological studies. We should pray to God that the two are rescued from any dangers and return in peace, light and complete freedom,” he added.

Dr. Benson Bana, the Tanzanian ambassador to Nigeria, acknowledged the occurrence and stated that all required steps are being taken to guarantee the two are released safely.

He noted that the country of Nigeria experiences many abductions and that precautions are being taken to protect the two.

“After receiving reports of abduction, the Embassy has informed the government at home (Tanzania). We have also communicated the matter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nigeria as required by diplomatic procedures,” he told The Citizen over the phone.

He claimed that on August 3, a gang of unidentified individuals broke into Saint Luke Gyedna Parish, opened fire, and kidnapped two of the four people present.

The former University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) dean claimed to have learned that kidnappers are demanding a ransom of 100 million naira, or Sh325.1 million, according to information they have received.

He claims that the desired sum is $70,000, or more than Sh170 million.

“We are supposed to be careful with these people because they can inflate the ransom to over 500 million naira,” he cautioned.

According to Dr. Bana, they are currently working with the Africa Missionary Society, who have also already informed Nigerian law enforcement about the situation.

Bishop Gervas Nyaisonga, head of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC), expressed disappointment on behalf of the Church at the brutal kidnapping episode.

“We insist on the importance of respecting the principles of human rights and stir on diplomatic efforts to ensure abducted people are unconditionally freed,” he told this paper, saying the Church is praying for the abductees to be rescued.

Mr. Dominick Mahinini, the father of the Frater, has requested that the Church work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation to free his son.

Furthermore, he claimed that on August 3, the Parish Priest informed him of allegations of his kidnapping.

“I have nothing to do rather than praying to God for his life. I ask the government’s support over the matter,” he said at his Masanza home in Kabanga Ward, Kasulu District.

According to him, the Diocese should collaborate with the Tanzania government to ensure his son is freed safely.

He claimed that despite the fact that the occurrence had taken place far away, his family had been shocked and alarmed when they learned of the abduction.

Melkiori, the fifth child in a family of nine, was called to serve God, according to Mr. Mahinini, who also noted that he had a responsibility to help Melkiori as a dad.