Announcing the kidnapping on Aug. 30, Sinju said that the priest had traveled to the village of Kokobuma “for a pastoral visitation and the inauguration of the presbytery of the parish.”
Around 30 minutes after he returned to his residence, “some young men who identified themselves as separatist fighters bumped into the Major Seminary compound and made their way straight to the residence of Bishop Lysinge,” the chancellor said.
“While there, they noticed the presence of the vicar general, whom they considered younger and stronger than the frail bishop emeritus.”
The kidnappers, believed to be armed separatists, demanded a ransom of more than 20 million francs CFA (around $36,000).
“We thank God for his release. We thank all those who joined us to pray for his unconditional release and for us in these turbulent days,” Sinju said in a statement dated Aug. 31.
“We thank all our priests, the faithful and Father’s biological family for their firm faith in God. We appreciate the assistance of everyone who showed concern.”
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