Priest kidnapped in Niger in 2018 seen in recent jihadist video

Father Pierluigi Maccalli had been living in and serving the people of Niger for eleven years before jihadists took him in September of 2018. The priest had been promoting education, healthcare and young farmers in southern Niger.
According to locals of Bomoanga village, where Father Maccalli lived, armed men arrived and immediately went to his house where he was taken captive and has been detained ever since. Father Maccalli was therfore the specific target of this kidnapping.
So far it is unclear as to why he was abducted, and no ransom demands have been released. He was however recently seen with another man in a video published by the kidnappers. While no death threats have been made, it is heartening to know that his abductors have kept him alive this long.
His brother, also a priest working in Africa, was thrilled to see that his brother was still alive. Father Walter Maccalli told Aid to the Church in Need that “it’s great news, and we are delighted and hopeful that everything may turn out well.”
It is unclear where Father Maccalli is at this time, or even what country he is in. However, we can give thanks to God for keeping him alive and well for this long. Please continue to pray that Father Maccalli might be released soon and that his faith and health will remain strong.
Source: persecution.org