Reverend Father Mikah Suleiman, who was kidnapped by bandits two weeks ago, has been freed. The Director of Communications for the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Reverend Father Pascal Salifu, announced the release on Sunday, stating that Father Suleiman, the parish priest of St. Raymond Catholic Church Damba in Gusau, Zamfara State, is now receiving necessary care and support.
“We are overjoyed to announce the safe release of Fr. Mikah Suleiman, who was kidnapped on 22/06/2024,” said Father Salifu.
“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. Please keep him in your prayers as he begins his recovery.”
Reverend Father Suleiman’s abduction
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Father Suleiman was kidnapped around 3 am on Saturday, June 21, at his residence in the Damba area of Gusau. Following the abduction, the Zamfara State Police Command deployed a tactical squad to track the kidnappers and ensure Father Suleiman’s safe return.
The spokesperson for the Zamfara State Police Command, Yazid Abubakar, confirmed the incident. “Yes, the incident happened early this morning. The Reverend Father was kidnapped at his residence.
“We were not informed when the incident happened, but what I gathered was that the man stays alone, not in the church,” Abubakar said. “We have deployed our tactical squad to go after the kidnappers to rescue the victim unhurt.”
In the aftermath of the kidnapping, the acting Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Very Reverend Father Nuhu Iliya, called on the Christian faithful to pray for the quick and safe release of the cleric.
“With sadness in our hearts, we write to inform the general public of the kidnap of one of our priests, Revd. Fr. Mikah Suleiman. This sad event occurred in the early hours of today, Saturday, 22nd June 2024 in the father’s rectory. Fr. Mikah is the Parish Priest of St. Raymond Catholic Church Damba, Gusau, Zamfara State,” the statement read.
“We invite all Christ’s faithful and all men and women of goodwill to pray for his quick and safe release earnestly. 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.”
Father Suleiman’s release has brought immense relief and joy to the local community and the broader Catholic faithful, who had been fervently praying for his safe return.
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