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Nigeria’s Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan Sends out Prayer Appeal for Priest Abducted from Parish Rectory

Fr. Gabriel Ukeh, kidnapped from Nigeria's Catholic Archdiocese of Kaduna on 9 June 2024. Credit: Catholic Archdiocese of Kaduna

By Jude Atemanke

Kaduna, 10 June, 2024 / 10:00 pm (ACI Africa).

The Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan has sent out a prayer appeal, seeking the “urgent and safe release” of Fr. Gabriel Ukeh who was abducted from a parish rectory on Sunday, June 9.

Information that the Chancellor of the Nigerian Catholic Archdiocese, Fr. Emmanuel Faweh Kazah shared with ACI Africa on Monday, June 10 indicates that the Parish Priest of St. Thomas Zaman Dabo Parish of Kafanchan Diocese was taken away in early hours of the fateful day.

He said Fr. Ukeh was abducted from the Parish rectory in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Fr. Kazakh appealed to the Nigerian government to act on the rampact abductions of priests in the country.

“While we solicit for fervent prayers for his urgent and safe release, we equally condemn this act of incessant kidnappings for ransom of innocent and defenseless citizens of our communities and we call upon the Government to horn its security intelligence as we approach the celebration of Sallah,” the Chancellor of the Nigerian Diocese said.

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He continued, “As we work with security operatives for his quick release, we wish to call on all to stay away from taking the laws into their hands.”

Fr. Kazakh said, “We will use every legitimate means to ensure that Father comes back to us safe and sound.” 

“Through the intercessions of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Priests and Religious, may Jesus the crucified hearken to our prayers and hasten the unconditional release of His Priest and every other abducted persons,” the Chancellor implored.

Nigeria has been battling with a surge of violence orchestrated by gangs, whose members carry out indiscriminate attacks, kidnapping for ransom, and in some cases, killing.

Boko Haram insurgency has been a major challenge in the country since 2009, a group that allegedly aims to turn Africa's most populous nation into an Islamic nation.

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The latest abduction of Fr. Ukeh follows a series of other kidnappings that have targeted members of the Clergy in Africa’s most populous nation.

Fr. Oliver Buba, a Catholic Priest of the Diocese of Yola was abducted on May 21 in the Catholic Diocese and later released.

On May 15, the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha announced the abduction of Fr. Basil Gbuzuo. He was later set free. 

Jude Atemanke

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.

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