Gunmen abduct Catholic priest in Kaduna

Rev. Father Gabriel Ukeh, the parish priest of St. Thomas Parish in the Zaman Dabo Community in Kaduna State's Zango Kataf Local Government Area, has been kidnapped by bandits. 

Reports state that early on Sunday morning, the parish priest was reported to have been kidnapped from the church rectory. 

This was revealed in a press release on Sunday by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Kazah, the Vicar General (Pastoral).

He said, “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 defenceless citizens of our communities, and we call upon the government to horn its security intelligence as we approach the celebration of Sallah.

“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. We will use every legitimate means to ensure that Fr. 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 person.”

ASP Mansir Hassan, the Kaduna State Public Relations Officer, has not yet released a formal statement regarding the event.

Source