By Our Correspondent

Tragedy struck on Saturday as a Catholic priest, Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, died after a large crucifix fell on him while he was celebrating Mass in Guayaquil, Ecuador, in an incident captured during a livestream.

Footage circulating on social media shows Sánchez Molinari addressing his congregation on Saturday before the crucifix suddenly came crashing down, striking him on the head.

The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death on Sunday in a statement mourning the priest, who served as parish priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in the Central Vicariate.

“We announce that our beloved Fr. Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, CSsR., who served as parish priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in the Central Vicariate, has departed for the Father’s House to rejoice in His presence and glory,” the archdiocese said.

The statement continued: “Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.”

The circumstances surrounding the crucifix’s collapse remain unclear, with no official explanation issued on whether structural damage or faulty fittings contributed to the incident.

George Mgbeleka

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take immediate and decisive action to rescue about 80 schoolchildren and teachers reportedly held captive by terrorists in Borno State for nearly six months.

HURIWA in a statement by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko said the President has a legal, constitutional and moral obligation to ensure the safe return of the abducted children, stressing that Nigerians should not have to beg their government to protect their lives.

The association expressed concern that the prolonged captivity of the victims has raised troubling questions about the effectiveness of the government’s security response and its commitment to protecting vulnerable citizens.

HURIWA said the President, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, bears a central responsibility for providing leadership, direction and coordination in the national security response.

It stressed that protecting lives and property is a fundamental responsibility of government under the Constitution, alongside the promotion of the welfare of citizens.

The association maintained that the continued captivity of the children demands urgent presidential intervention, effective coordination among security agencies and clear communication with the affected families.

The victims were reportedly abducted in two separate attacks in Mussa and Lassa communities in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State between May and June 2026.

Reports indicate that about 40 to 44 children were taken in the first attack, although the exact number remains disputed, while 36 pupils and a teacher were reportedly abducted in the second incident.

The prolonged captivity has caused severe distress among affected families, some of whom have publicly questioned why their children remain in captivity while pupils abducted in a separate incident in Oyo State were released after 57 days.

HURIWA said the concerns expressed by the parents deserve urgent attention rather than repeated assurances without publicly verifiable progress.

The association also called for a comprehensive review of the Safe School Initiative, introduced after the 2014 abduction of 276 schoolgirls from Chibok, Borno State.

It said the persistence of school abductions more than a decade after the initiative’s introduction points to the need for stronger implementation, improved intelligence gathering, better coordination among security agencies and accountability for lapses.

HURIWA further stressed that securing schools must go beyond physical infrastructure to include early-warning systems, rapid emergency responses and effective protection for communities surrounding vulnerable schools.

The association urged the Federal Government to intensify lawful and intelligence-led efforts to secure the release of all the captives without exposing them to additional danger.

It also called on the authorities to provide affected families with credible updates on rescue efforts while avoiding disclosures that could compromise ongoing security operations.

HURIWA said the children must not be allowed to become forgotten victims of Nigeria’s protracted insecurity crisis.

The association insisted that the safe return of the abducted pupils and their teachers must remain an urgent national priority and called on the President to demonstrate the leadership required to bring their ordeal to an end.

By our correspondent

A faith-based civil society organisation, CSO, the Independent Hajj Reporters, IHR, has called on the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, to enforce a uniform fee and transparent system for Hadaya for the 2027 Hajj.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad, on Monday, the organisation said disparities in Hadaya charges across states raise transparency concerns.

IHR said pilgrims from different states, especially in the North, pay equal Hajj fares but are charged different amounts for the ritual sacrifice.

It urged NAHCON as apex regulator to create a single guideline and pricing structure for Hadaya.

The group acknowledged that Hadaya during Mashair is handled through different intermediaries for states, but said the current fragmented system lacks tracking and accountability.

“Pilgrims from the northern zone, for example, paid equal amounts of Hajj fare and as such should be made to pay the same amount of Hadaya fee,” the statement said.

IHR proposed a central coordinating committee comprising NAHCON and state pilgrims welfare boards to harmonise charges and monitor execution.

Hadaya is the obligatory animal sacrifice for pilgrims performing Tamattu’ Hajj — a category that covers over 98% of Nigerian pilgrims.

The CSO noted the 2027 Hajj cost template excludes Hadaya, leaving states to fix their own fees, a loophole that fuels disparity and possible fraud.

It stressed that transparency must go beyond fees to ensure sacrifices are actually performed in line with Sharia — proper timing, location and condition of animal — to protect pilgrims financially and religiously.