Rome prosecutors are treating the kidnapping as an act of terrorism, with Nigeria’s militant Islamist group Boko Haram being held responsible.
Sources said the priest, Father Maurizio Pallù, 62, was stopped along with four other people on his way to Benin City in southern Nigeria.
The group was reportedly stopped by armed individuals who stole their belongings and abducted Fr Pallù, who has been on a mission to Nigeria for three years.
Fr Pallù was born in Florence and graduated in history before travelling the world as a lay missionary for 11 years.
The Rome diocese said it was praying for Fr Pallù’s liberation.
Florence Archbishop Cardinal Giuseppe Betori said he was following the case with “apprehension” and urged people to pray for the abducted priest.
The Italian foreign ministry said that no effort was being spared in the case.
With ANSA
