“Thank you for your prayers, support”: Catholic Priest in Nigeria’s Sokoto Diocese after Securing Freedom from Abductors

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to God for His protection and to everyone who offered prayers and support during this challenging time,” Fr. Pascal Salifu says.

He adds, “Our thanks also go to the authorities, and all involved in securing Fr Mikah's release.”

The Director of Communications in Sokoto Diocese further says Fr. Suleiman is “receiving the necessary care and support.”

“Please continue to keep him in your prayers as he begins his recovery,” the Nigerian Catholic Priest says.

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.

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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.

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

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

Fr. Oliver Buba, a Catholic Priest of the Diocese of Yola, who had been abducted on May 21, later found his freedom.

However, Fr. Gabriel Ukeh, who was reportedly abducted from a Parish Rectory in Nigeria’s Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan on June 9 is yet to be released.

Similarly, Fr. Christian Ike and Mr. Ogbonnia Aneke, who were reportedly abducted on June 16 as they were returning from Mass at an outstation of St. Matthew's Parish of the Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia (CADEK) are yet to be released.

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.