The presiding Catholic priest of St.Thomas Parish, Zaman Dabo Community, in the Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna state, Rev. Fr. Gabriel Ukeh,
has been abducted by bandits.
Ukeh was said to have been abducted at the parish rectory in the early hours of Sunday.
Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Kazah, the Vicar General, confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday.
The statement condemned incessant abductions of innocent citizens for ransom payment and called on government and security agencies to up their games.
“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 ” the statement reads.
“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.”
Masir Hassan, spokesperson of the Kaduna State police command could not be reached when contacted as his mobile phone was not reachable.
By John Shiklam in Kaduna
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