Mikah Suleiman, parish priest of St. Raymond Catholic Church in Damba, Gusau, Zamfara State, has been liberated from bandits who kidnapped him two weeks ago.
Pascal Salifu, Director of Communications for the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, issued a statement announcing Suleiman’s release on Sunday, July 7, 2024.
The statement read, “We are overjoyed to announce the safe release of Fr. Mikah Suleiman, who was kidnapped on June 22, 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.”
Yazid Abubakar, the state police public relations officer, confirmed the priest’s abduction on Saturday, saying, “Yes, the incident happened early 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.”
However, 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.
Gabriel Ukeh, presiding priest of St. Thomas Parish, Zaman Dabo Community in Kaduna State’s Zango Kataf Local Government Area, was kidnapped in early June 2024 by robbers.
The parish priest was kidnapped in the rectory in the early hours of Sunday.
