Bandits Abduct Priest in Kaduna State: Calls for Prayers and Government Action

 Rev. Father Gabriel Ukeh, the presiding priest of St. Thomas Parish in the Zaman Dabo Community of Zango Kataf Local Government Area, Kaduna State, has been abducted by bandits. The kidnapping occurred at the parish rectory in the early hours of Sunday.

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Kazah, the Vicar General (Pastoral), confirmed the abduction in a press statement on Sunday. He condemned the ongoing kidnappings for ransom, particularly of innocent and defenseless citizens, and urged the government to enhance its security measures as the Sallah celebration approaches.

"While we solicit fervent prayers for his urgent and safe release, we equally condemn this act of incessant kidnappings for ransom of innocent and defenseless citizens of our communities, and we call upon the government to sharpen its security intelligence as we approach the celebration of Sallah," Kazah stated.

He also advised against any form of vigilante justice, emphasizing the need to work within legal frameworks to secure Father Ukeh's release. "As we work with security operatives for his quick release, we wish to call on all to stay away from taking the law into their own hands. We will use every legitimate means to ensure that Father comes back to us safe and sound."

Rev. Kazah concluded by invoking the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, asking for the safe and unconditional release of Father Ukeh and all other abducted persons. "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."

As of now, the Kaduna State Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident.