Bandits Release Catholic Priest Kidnapped in Zamfara.

Reverend Father Mikah Suleiman has been set free two weeks after being kidnapped by bandits.

The Director of Communications for the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Reverend Father Pascal Salifu, issued a statement on Sunday. Suleiman, the parish priest of St. Raymond Catholic Church in Damba, Gusau, Zamfara State, is now receiving “necessary care and support” after his release.

He stated, “We are overjoyed to announce the safe release of Fr Mikah Suleiman, who was kidnapped on June 22, 2024.”

“We are deeply grateful to God for His protection, as well as to everyone who prayed and supported us throughout this difficult time.

“We also thank the authorities and everyone involved in securing Fr. Mikah’s release.” He is currently receiving the appropriate attention and assistance.

“Please continue to keep him in your prayers as he begins his recovery.”

Father Suleiman was taken around 3 a.m. on Saturday, June 21, at his home in Gusau’s Damba neighbourhood.

Following the priest’s captivity, the Zamfara State Police Command despatched a police tactical squad to locate the kidnappers and ensure his safe release.

Yazid Abubakar, the spokesperson for the Zamfara State Police Command, confirmed the abduction.

“We were not informed when the incident occurred, but from what I gathered, the man lives alone, not in the church,” he stated upon confirming the abduction in June.

“We have deployed our tactical squad to go after the kidnappers with the aim of rescuing the victim unhurt.”

Following the abduction, the acting Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Very Revd. Fr. Nuhu Iliya, urged Christians to pray for the cleric’s prompt and safe return.

He stated, “With anguish in our hearts, we write to tell the general public of the kidnapping of one of our priests, Revd. Fr. Mikah Suleiman. This tragic occurrence occurred in the early hours of today, Saturday, June 22, 2024, in the father’s rectory. The statement reads, “Fr. Mikah is the parish priest of St. Raymond Catholic Church in Damba, Gusau, Zamfara State.”

“We encourage all Christ’s followers, as well as men and women of peace, to actively pray for his quick and safe release.

“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.”