Kidnapped Catholic priest regains freedom

Reverend Father Mikah Suleiman, who was kidnapped by bandits two weeks ago, has regained his freedom.

A statement by the Director of Communications for the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Revd. Fr. Pascal Salifu, on Sunday, confirmed that Suleiman, the parish priest of St. Raymond Catholic Church in Damba, Gusau, Zamfara State, has been released and is currently receiving “necessary care and support.”

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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.”

Reverend Father Suleiman was kidnapped around 3 am on Saturday, June 21, at his residence in the Damba area of Gusau.

Following the priest’s abduction, the Zamfara State Police Command deployed a police tactical squad to track the kidnappers and ensure his safe return.

The spokesperson for the Zamfara State Police Command, Yazid Abubakar, said, “Yes, the incident happened in the early hours of today. The Reverend Father was kidnapped at his residence. We were not informed when the incident happened, but what I gathered was that the man stays alone, not in the church.”

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

After his kidnap, 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 in Damba, Gusau, Zamfara State.”

“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.”

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