The two catholic priests kidnapped alongside two others in Katsina State have been freed by after two months in their abductors’ den.
Religion Nigeria gathered that two priests, Fr. Stephen Ojapa, and Fr. Oliver Okpara, were abducted alongside Mr. Hassan Hassan and Ms. Ummie Hassan late in May 2022 in St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in the Kafur LGA of the state.
The parishes were under the Sokoto Catholic Diocese, presided over by Bishop Matthew Hassan-Kukah which covers Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi States.
The Catholic Diocese of Sokoto’s Director, Social Communications, Fr. Christopher Omotosho, confirmed their release on Sunday.
Fr. Omotosho said, “With hearts full of joy, we announced that our brethren Fr. Stephen Ojapa, Fr. Oliver Okpara, Mr. Hassan Hassan & Ms. Ummie Hassan who were abducted by gunmen at midnight on 25th May 2022 in the rectory of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Gidan Maikambo, Kafur LGA of Katsina State, have all gained freedom.
“We thank you for your prayers, support, encouragement and show of love. May the name of the Lord be praised, now and forever. Amen! Thank you!”
As of the time of filing this report, this publication can not confirm whether any ransom was paid to secure the release of the four victims.
