Bandits kidnapped Reverend Father Gabriel Ukeh, the parish priest of Saint Thomas Catholic Church in Zaman Dabo, Zango Kataf Local Government Area, Kaduna State Early on Sunday morning.
Reverend Father Emmanuel Kazah, the Vicar General of the Kafanchan Catholic Diocese, confirmed the abduction and asked for prayers for Father Ukeh’s safe return. “While we solicit 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,” Kazah stated.
He urged the government to improve security as the celebration of Sallah approaches. “We call upon the government to horn its security intelligence as we approach the celebration of Sallah.”
Father Kazah also advised against taking the law into one’s hands. “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. Ukeh comes back to us safe and sound.”
He prayed for divine intervention. “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.”
The Kaduna State Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, has not yet released an official statement on the incident.
