Catholic Priest Abducted by Bandits in Kaduna

The parish priest of Saint Thomas Catholic Church, Zaman Dabo community in Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Reverend Father Gabriel Ukeh, has been kidnapped by bandits. The abduction took place in the early hours of Sunday, prompting a statement from the Vicar General of the Kafanchan Catholic Diocese, Reverend Father Emmanuel Kazah, who called for prayers for the immediate and safe release of the abducted priest. The statement also condemned the act of incessant kidnappings for ransom and urged the government to enhance security intelligence as the Sallah celebration approached.

The abduction of Reverend Father Gabriel Ukeh has raised concerns and prompted a call for urgent action to secure his safe release. The Vicar General emphasized the need for collaboration with security operatives to ensure the priest's quick return and urged the community to refrain from taking the law into their own hands. The statement also invoked the intercessions of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Jesus for the unconditional release of the abducted priest and all other kidnapped individuals.

The Kaduna State Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, has been contacted to verify the information and provide further details upon confirmation. The incident has sparked widespread concern and calls for swift and effective measures to secure the safe return of Reverend Father Gabriel Ukeh.

The abduction of a Catholic priest in Kaduna is a distressing development that underscores the ongoing challenges of insecurity and the impact on religious communities. The urgent plea for prayers and concerted efforts to secure the priest's release reflects the gravity of the situation and the need for immediate action to address the threat of kidnappings in the region.

The abduction of Reverend Father Gabriel Ukeh in Kaduna has prompted a call for urgent prayers and concerted efforts to secure his safe release. The statement from the Vicar General of the Kafanchan Catholic Diocese reflects the deep concern and the need for collaborative action to address the threat of kidnappings and ensure the safety of religious leaders and communities.