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The Catholic Bishop of Quelimane, Mozambique, Osório Cîtora Afonso, has died after being shot by gunmen at his residence.

According to a report by Catholic World News on Saturday, June 6, 2026, the bishop “died this morning after being shot in the heart in his residence.”

The report stated that the late bishop was born in 1972 and was ordained a priest in 2002. He was appointed auxiliary bishop of Maputo in 2023 and became Bishop of Quelimane in July 2025. Before his appointment as bishop, he served as an official in the Dicastery for Evangelization.

The report further quoted the Portuguese bishops’ news agency as saying that “the crime was committed with an AKM-type weapon by individuals who climbed the wall of his residence, having vandalized the electrical security …

There are no detainees so far, and the authorities are investigating the case.”

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President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has enjoined Nigerians to hold on hope that the country will survive the current Insurgencies like it survived past political upheavals and pandemics.

Akpabio spoke on Sunday at an Inter-Denominational Church Service at the National Christian Centre as part of the activities to mark this year Nigeria’s Democracy Day.

The theme of the special service was “God of Hope, Actualise our Dreams.”

The Senate President urged Nigerians to count their blessings as they celebrated 27 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria.

Akpabio told the congregation: “We have survived political upheavals, economic turbulence. We will survive Insurgencies.

“We have survived pandemics like Ebola and COVID 19 and seasons of despotism. Yet here we stand. Twenty-seven years of democratic governance. Twenty-seven years of constitutional order. Twenty-seven years of hope renewed.

“But gratitude must never blind us to reality. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed that this year’s Democracy Day be observed in a low-key manner because of the current situation in the country.

“There is no denying that insecurity continues to trouble our land. Communities have been attacked. Farmers fear returning to their fields. Travellers journey with uncertainty. Families mourn loved ones lost to violence and criminality.

“The kidnapping of innocent citizens, especially children, wounds the conscience of our nation.”

Akpabio said the pain was deeply personal for him having known the trauma of violence, insecurity and terror during Nigerian civil war.

“That is why my heart breaks for every child in captivity and every parent who lies awake through the long hours of the night, not knowing whether a son or daughter is safe, hungry, frightened or even alive.

“I know something of that anguish. Yet what l experienced as a child cannot be compared with the horror, humiliation, cruelty and unspeakable ordeal these innocent children have endured since their abduction.

“It is a tragedy that wounds the conscience of our nation. But l assure  you there is a brighter tomorrow. The evil you see today, you shall soon see them no more.

“When l had the opportunity to serve as governor about 19 years ago, l started monthly prayer. I used to ask myself a question whenever there was militancy, kidnapping and killing. I would say what if we were not praying. Today l want you to ask same question, the things happening around us, what if we were not praying.

“We must continue praying so that the evil doers and their sponsors shall be exposed in Jesus Name. If they are in government, they shall be exposed in Jesus Name. If they are outside government they shall be exposed in Jesus Name. Those sponsoring it, whether it is politically motivated or not, may they never have peace until they are defeated.

“On the part of the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this administration remains steadfast in its determination to secure the freedom of those in captivity, defeat the forces of terror and criminality, and restore peace to our communities.

“We shall continue to act together, pray together, and continue to persevere until our children are safely returned and our nation is secure,” Akpabio said.

Also speaking during the service, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume said President Bola Tinubu had assured Nigerians that his administration would intensify efforts to ease the economic hardship facing citizens.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s determination to defeat insecurity and secure the release of all persons held captive across the country.

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The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has continued to provide aerial surveillance support to ongoing efforts aimed at rescuing teachers and pupils abducted from Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

In a statement by NAF’s spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde disclosed this during a courtesy visit by the representative of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Suleh, on 5 June 2026.

According to the statement, Makinde revealed that the NAF promptly deployed an aerial surveillance platform immediately after the abduction was reported, providing critical intelligence to support search-and-rescue operations.

The governor said intelligence generated from the surveillance missions had continued to assist security agencies in tracking developments and coordinating efforts towards securing the safe release of the victims.

NAF said Makinde appealed for patience and support from residents, assuring them that all necessary resources are being deployed to ensure the successful resolution of the situation.

He commended the CAS and the NAF for their swift response and sustained support, noting that the Air Force made the surveillance platform available while Oyo State’s newly acquired aerial assets are still being assembled at the NAF Base, Lagos.

“Makinde further explained that the state acquired the platforms following consultations with the NAF to ensure access to maintenance support, engineering expertise and pilot training.

“He expressed confidence that the assets would significantly enhance security operations across Oyo State and neighbouring states once fully operational,” the statement released on Sunday partly read.

Speaking on behalf of the CAS, Air Vice Marshal Suleh conveyed the solidarity of the NAF with the government and people of Oyo State and reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to supporting ongoing efforts to secure the safe return of the abducted victims.

He also commended the government for its continued support towards NAF projects and infrastructure development within the state.

“The NAF remains committed to working closely with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to safeguard lives and property while supporting efforts to address security challenges across the country,” it added.

The pupils and teachers of the Baptist Nursery and Primary School (Yawota), Community Grammar School (Esiele), and L.A. Primary School were kidnapped on May 15 during a fatal attack by bandits.

One of the teachers was also killed in captivity by the terrorists.

The incident sparked protests by teachers nationwide and civil society groups in Ibadan, demanding urgent action to rescue the victims.

Last week, the House of Representatives called on the federal Government and security agencies to bring the abducted students and teachers back alive.

Following the abduction, President Bola Tinubu approved the appointment of 1,000 forest guards and the deployment of a special rescue team following the abduction of teachers and students in the state.