Mikah Suleiman, the Parish Priest of St. Raymond Catholic Church in Damba, Gusau, Zamfara State, has been released by the bandits who kidnapped him two weeks ago.
The news of Suleiman’s release was shared in a statement on Sunday, July 7, 2024, by Pascal Salifu, the Director of Communications for the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto.
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“We are overjoyed to announce the safe release of Fr. Mikah Suleiman, who was kidnapped on June 22, 2024,” the statement read.
“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 also urged the public to keep Suleiman in their prayers as he begins his recovery.
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The state Police Public Relations Officer, Yazid Abubakar, confirmed the abduction, stating, “the incident happened early this morning; the Reverend Father was kidnapped at his residence. We were not informed immediately when the incident occurred, but we have deployed our tactical squad to pursue the kidnappers and aim to rescue the victim unharmed.”
Additionally, the acting Chancellor of the Sokoto Catholic Diocese, Nuhu Iliya, had called on the Christian community to pray for the swift and safe release of the priest, stating, “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.”
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This incident follows the abduction of Gabriel Ukeh, the presiding priest of St. Thomas Parish in Zaman Dabo Community, Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, in early June 2024.
Ukeh was taken from the rectory in the early hours of the morning, as confirmed by Emmanuel Kazah, the Vicar General (Pastoral), in a press statement.
