Written Question:Fr Cornelius Manzak Damulak

Lord Moylan: To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Nigeria regarding the abduction of Fr Cornelius Manzak Damulak in Abuja on 6 February; and what assessment they have made of the wider impact of kidnappings on religious communities in Nigeria.

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Lord Collins of Highbury): While the UK Government condemns all violence, including kidnaps, across Nigeria we do not routinely engage on instances of non-UK citizens being kidnapped as this is a matter for the Nigerian authorities. Kidnapping for ransom is sadly a widespread practice in Nigeria, particularly in the North-West where banditry is prevalent. Kidnappings often have financial rather than religious motives and communities of all religions and beliefs are vulnerable. With assistance from the UK National Crime Agency, a Multi-Agency Kidnap Fusion Cell (MAKFC) has been established to support cooperation between Nigeria's security and justice agencies. This will both reduce the harm to victims and hold those responsible to account.