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Renowned Nigerian Catholic Gospel Singer Regains Freedom after Seven Days in Captivity

Sir. Jude Nnam

Sir Jude Nnam, a renowned Nigerian gospel singer who was kidnapped on November 14 has regained his freedom.

Sir Nnam was freed on Wednesday, November 20, according to information that members of the National Catholic Liturgical Music Council (NACAMCON) shared with ACI Africa.

 “It is with a heart full of joy that we, NACAMCON, inform you of the safe release of our National Music Consultant,  Sir Jude Nnam, this blessed evening, Wednesday, 20th November 2024,” the commission said in a statement.

In the message of gratitude to the people of God who prayed for the singer’s release, the liturgical commission said, “May Sir Jude Nnam and all choristers continue to enjoy God's blessings and protection. And may St. Cecilia continue to intercede for us.”

In a Wednesday, November 20 interview with ACI Africa, just before Nnam’s release, the Deputy Secretary-General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), Fr. Michael Banjo, condemned the abduction of Sir Nnam, saying, “It’s unfortunate that someone like Dr. Jude Nnam, who has given his talent, treasure, and time to the development of the Church, is subjected to this inhumane treatment.”

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In an interview with ACI Africa on Wednesday, November 20, Fr. Banjo said that every Nigeria, at the moment, is affected by the insecurity which he said “is everywhere” in the West African country. 

The Priest lamented that insecurity is forcing many talented individuals to flee the country.

In the interview with SCI Africa before Nnam regained his freedom, Fr. Banjo said, “Think of what this man is going through now. When he regains his freedom, he might decide to leave Nigeria for a place where he feels secure. Many have already left the country because of kidnapping and general insecurity.” 

The Catholic Priest underscored the need for the government to prioritize security, saying, “I understand the government is doing something, but they need to do more. A safe country is the foundation for every other development.”  

Sir Nnam’s abduction follows a series of other kidnappings that have targeted members of the Clergy in Africa’s most populous nation.

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On November 5, Fr. Emmanuel Azubuike Parish Priest of St. Theresa Obollo Parish of the Catholic Diocese of Okigwe was abducted and later released.

The Rector of the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary of Nigeria’s Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Fr. Thomas Oyode, was abducted on October 27; he was released after a 10-day captivity, on November 6.

Fr. Mikah Suleima who was abducted on June 22 from his Parish Rectory in Nigeria’s Catholic Diocese of Sokoto regained his freedom.

On June 9, Fr. Gabriel Ukeh was abducted from a parish rectory in the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan. He reportedly regained his freedom the following day, on June 10. 

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

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

Abah Anthony John is a Nigerian Journalist with great enthusiasm and interest for Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication from Benue State University, Makurdi, Benue State Nigeria. He has vast experience in Print,  Electronic and Multi-Media Production.