Priest’s brother released after being kidnapped in Nigeria

Wearing the rose-colored vestments of Gaudete Sunday, Father Vitalis Anyanike preached about rejoicing, appropriate for the Third Sunday of Advent.

But his heart was heavy that day.

Less than two days earlier, on Dec. 13, he learned that his younger brother, who had been at a wedding celebration, was kidnapped in Nigeria. The captors were demanding a ransom or the brother, Anthony, would be killed.

Father Anyanike – pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes-St. Adalbert Parish, Holy Cross Parish and the St. Andrew Kim Taegon Catholic Community, all in Omaha – weaved into his Sunday homily the hope and joy that Advent offers, that even in suffering and difficult situations, God never abandons his people.

At the end of the Mass, he asked for prayers for his brother and for others in Nigeria being held hostage.

On Monday morning, their faith was rewarded: Anthony was released – beaten, bruised and traumatized – but otherwise in good spirits after returning home to his wife, said Father Anyanike, who was able to talk briefly with his brother by phone that day.

“It’s the best Christmas gift, that my baby brother is home and well,” Father Anyanike said. “I thank the Lord for His mercy and goodness, and I’m thankful for all those who prayed.”

As a native of Nigeria and a missionary who frequently returns there, Father Anyanike is aware of the dangers in his home country, especially for priests.

Of the nearly 5,000 Christians who were killed for faith-related reasons in 2023, 90% were killed in Nigeria, according to World Watch list, which tracks Christian persecution.

The reason for Anthony’s kidnapping wasn’t immediately clear. Father Anyanike said he suspects it was simply for the ransom money, which the family surrendered.

Otherwise, Anthony would have been killed, he said.

Father Anyanike is the second youngest member of his family, which includes four brothers and a sister. Two of the brothers and his sister live in Nigeria, while the rest of the siblings reside in the United States.

Their late parents, Ignatius and Virginia Anyanike, also lived here.

Father Anyanike founded the religious order of Ad Gentes Missionaries more than a decade ago, which has religious sisters, brothers and priests serving in the African countries of Burkina Faso, Cameroon and Nigeria, as well as in the Archdiocese of Omaha.

He said he thought that if anyone in his family would be kidnapped, it would be him. 

He and his Ad Gentes Missionaries serve in predominantly Muslim areas of Nigeria, where religious persecution is more common. But they generally feel safe because they provide schools, community and health centers, clean water and other important resources to all they serve, including the Muslims, who for the most part are good people, he said.

He said he believes that God guides and protects the Ad Gentes Missionaries and their work, which is supported by many people in the Archdiocese of Omaha.

The pastor said he prayed for his brother through the intercession of St. Rita of Cascia, known as the saint of the impossible, and through the Servant of God Father Edward Flanagan.

Soon after learning about his brother’s release, Father Anyanike went to Father Flanagan’s tomb at Boys Town to pray. He said he frequently visits there for guidance and help. But this time, he prayed in gratitude.

“I was confident God would be kind to me,” the priest said. “The Lord has never failed me. Never once. He has always blessed me.”

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