Abducted Zamfara Catholic priest regains freedom

Reverend Father Mikah Suleiman has been freed from the captivity of the bandits who kidnapped him in the rectory of St. Raymond Catholic Church, Damba two weeks ago.

A statement released by Pascal Salifu, the Director of Communications for the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, on July 7, 2024, announced the safe release of Reverend Father Mikah Suleiman.

The statement read, “We are overjoyed to announce the safe release of Fr Mikah Suleiman, who was kidnapped on 22/06/2024.

‘We extend our heartfelt gratitude to God for His protection and to everyone who offered prayers and support during this challenging time.

“Our thanks also go to the authorities and all involved in securing Fr Mikah’s release. He is currently receiving the necessary care and support.”

Salifu urged people to “continue to keep him in your prayers as he begins his recovery.”

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Yazid Abubakar confirmed the priest’s abduction on Saturday, saying, “Yes, the incident happened early hour of today, the Reverend Father was kidnapped in his residence. We were not informed when the incident happened but what I gathered was that the man stays alone not in the church.

“We have deployed our tactical squad to go after the kidnappers with the aim of rescuing the victim unhurt.”

More so, the acting Chancellor of the Sokoto Catholic Diocese, Nuhu Iliya had urged the Christian faithful to pray for the “quick and safe release” of the priest.

“We equally commend him to the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Priests, for his speedy release from the hands of his abductors,” Iliya said.

In early June 2024, bandits abducted the presiding priest of St. Thomas Parish, Zaman Dabo Community in Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Gabriel Ukeh.

In early June 2024, bandits kidnapped Gabriel Ukeh, the priest in charge of St. Thomas Parish in Zaman Dabo Community, located in Kaduna State’s Zango Kataf Local Government Area.

In the early hours of Sunday, the parish priest was kidnapped from the rectory.

On Sunday, Emmanuel Kazah, the Vicar General for Pastoral Affairs, released a statement to the press.