Kidnapped  Zamfara Catholic priest in Zamfara released after two weeks

The Parish Priest of St. Raymond Catholic Church Damba, Gusau, Zamfara State, Mikah Suleiman has regained his freedom from bandits who kidnapped him two weeks ago. Suleiman’s release was announced in a statement on Sunday, July 7, 2024, by the Director of Communications, Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Pascal Salifu. The statement read, “We are overjoyed to announce the safe release of Fr Mikah Suleiman, who was kidnapped on 22/06/2024. ‘We extend our heartfelt gratitude to God for His protection and to everyone who offered prayers and support during this challenging time. “Our thanks also go to the authorities and all involved in securing Fr Mikah’s release. He is currently receiving the necessary care and support.” Salifu urged people to “continue to keep him in your prayers as he begins his recovery.” The state Police Public Relations Officer, Yazid Abubakar confirmed the priest’s abduction on Saturday, saying, “Yes, the incident happened early hour of today, the Reverend Father was kidnapped in his residence. We were not informed when the incident happened but what I gathered was that the man stays alone not in the church. “We have deployed our tactical squad to go after the kidnappers with the aim of rescuing the victim unhurt.” More so, the acting Chancellor of the Sokoto Catholic Diocese, Nuhu Iliya had urged the Christian faithful to pray for the “quick and safe release” of the priest. “We equally commend him to the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Priests, for his speedy release from the hands of his abductors,” Iliya said.

Gunmen Kidnap Plateau NUJ Chairman

A former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Plateau state, Kapdaba Gobum, was abducted by suspected kidnappers.  He was allegedly kidnapped on Tuesday night.  This happened after he left the Press Centre, headed for his house in the Bukuru area of Jos South. Former General Manager of the Plateau Publishing and Printing Company (PPPC), Jonathan Ishaku, and the immediate past chairman of NUJ, Paul Jatau, have confirmed the incident.  Ishaku mentioned, “But early this morning (Thursday), the kidnappers called his wife and demanded N35 million.” Jatau expressed surprise at this development and wondered why journalists should be victims of kidnapping.  The former NUJ chairman recently retired as a senior editor with the Nigerian Standard, published by the PPPC.