Tensions rise after bandits kidnap famous Zamfara Catholic priest – police reaction

• The kidnapping of pastors has become the new normal for some suspected bandits in the northernmost state
• According to reports making the rounds on Saturday, Rev. Mikah Suleiman, parish priest of St. Raymond Catholic Church Damba in Gusau, was kidnapped by bandits from his house.
• The Zamfara State Police confirmed the development to the press in a statement and announced their next course of action

Legit.ng Journalist Esther Odili has more than two years of experience reporting on political parties and movements.

Tension is reportedly brewing in Zamfara State after suspected bandits kidnapped the Parish Priest of St. Raymond Catholic Church Damba in Gusau, the state capital, Venerable Rev. Mikah Suleiman.

Police: Catholic priest was kidnapped from his apartment

Zamfara State Police Spokesperson, Yazid Abubakar, confirmed the incident and disclosed that Father Mikah was abducted from his residence in Damba area of ​​Gusau on Saturday, June 22.

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He further stated that the incident had not been reported to the police, but the command had dispatched a tactical police unit to track down the kidnappers and ensure their safe return, Channels TV reported.

“Yes, the incident happened early this morning, the reverend was kidnapped in his residence. We were not informed when the incident happened but as far as I know, the man is alone and not in the church,” he said.

Acting Chancellor prayed for the priest’s safe rescue

The Acting Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Most Reverend Father Nuhu Iliya, confirmed the abduction in a statement on Saturday.

As The Cable reported, Iliya called on the public to pray for Suleiman’s quick and safe return.

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“It is with deep sadness that we write this letter to inform the public of the kidnapping of one of our priests, Venerable Mikah Suleiman,” the statement said.

“We invite all believers in Christ and all men and women of good will to pray sincerely for his speedy and safe release.

Gunmen kidnap Catholic priest from Anambra

In a related development Legit.ng It was previously reported that armed men had kidnapped Basil Chukwuemeka, a Catholic priest in Anambra state in southeastern Nigeria.

The man of God was abducted on Wednesday, May 15, at Eke Nkpor, Obosi bypass, Idemili North Local Government Area of ​​the state.

In a statement on Thursday, Anambra State Police Spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga said the Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono Itam, addressed the Catholic priests during their meeting in Onitsha, adding that the police had launched a manhunt for the kidnappers and possible rescue of Father Gbuzue.

Source: Legit.ng