ZAMFARA: Bandits release kidnapped Catholic priest

According to a statement issued yesterday by Revd. Fr. Pascal Salifu, Director of Communications for the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Suleiman, the parish priest of St. Raymond Catholic Church Damba, Gusau, Zamfara State, has been released and is receiving “necessary care and support”.

He said, “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.

“Please continue to keep him in your prayers as he begins his recovery.”

According to Yazid Abubakar, spokesperson for the Zamfara State Police Command, the priest was kidnapped at 3 a.m. from his home in Gusau’s Damba neighbourhood.

He noted that the incident was not reported to the police, but the command has assigned a police tactical squad to track down the kidnappers and secure his safe return.

“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,” he said.

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

Also in a statement, the acting Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Very. Revd. Fr. Nuhu Iliya, called on the Christian faithful to pray for the quick and safe release of the cleric.

He said, “With sadness in our hearts, we write to inform the general public of the kidnap of one of our priests, Revd. Fr. Mikah Suleiman. This sad event occurred in the early hours of today, Saturday, 22nd June 2024 in the Father’s rectory. Fr Mikah is the Parish Priest of St. Raymond Catholic Church Damba, Gusau, Zamfara State,” the statement reads.

“We invite all Christ’s faithful and all men and women of goodwill to earnestly pray for his quick and safe release.

“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.”