The Catholic priest Reverend Father Luka Yakusak who was abducted in Zangon-Kataf, Kaduna state has been released by his captors.
Rev Yakusak, in charge of St. Mathew’s Catholic Church, Anchuna was abducted by bandits on Monday night.
It is not yet clear if a ransom was paid for his release.
The latest development was disclosed on Wednesday by Chancellor Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Uchechukwu Okolo, Kafanchan Catholic Diocese.
The clergyman spent two days in the bandits’ camp before he regained his freedom few hours ago.
The statement, while giving praise to God for the quick release of the victim, also thanked everyone who stood by the church during its travail and trials.
“We want to thank all those that have offered prayers and entreaties for the quick release of our Brother Priest and Others who are still in the dens of their kidnappers,” the statement said.
The killing and abduction of clergymen is an emerging trend that seems to be the new strategy of bandits and terrorists across the country.
Chronicle NG reported the gruesome murder of an ECWA pastor by Fulani herdsmen on the 12th of September, 2021.
The pastor who reportedly hacked to death by unknown assailants.
Gunmen in the southeast have also seen clergymen as easy targets, just as an Anglican priest, Rev Emeka Merenu was shot dead on Tuesday morning by unknown gunmen in his parsonage at Iheteukwa, Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State.
According to church member, the priest was killed on Tuesday morning over an unconfirmed report that he had brought in soldiers to secure the Church and School under his supervision.
The source also added that the assailants burnt his car after killing him.
“Everybody is sad at the moment and afraid for their lives.” he said.
“Not only that he is from Nkwerre, he was the second runner up to the current Principal when they were looking for the current principal of St Augustine’s Grammar School, Nkwerre Imo State (SAGS).”
The deceased was a native of Amorji Agbomori Village in Nkwerre.
