The evil menace of kidnapping ravaging many parts of the country seems to know no bound, as it has continued to penetrate every nook and cranny of our society, even has crept into the house of God.
News reaching our desk this evening indicates that a certain Catholic Priest has been kidnapped by unknown gunmen in Zamfara State. The ugly incident which took place earlier today Saturday June 22, 2024 has left many people worried.
“With sadness in our hearts, we write to inform the general public of the kidnap of one of our priests, Revd. Fr. Micah Suleiman,” the statement released by the acting Chancellor Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Very Revd. Fr. Nuhu IIiya reads.
The victim identified as Reverend Father Micah Suleiman was until his kidnap, the Parish Priest of St. Raymond Catholic Church Damba, Gusau in Zamfara State, and was reportedly abducted in his rectory (his official residence).
“The sad event occurred at the early hours of today, Saturday 22nd June 2024 in the Father’s rectory. Fr. Micah is the parish priest of St. Raymond Catholic Church Damba, Gusau, Zamfara State,” the statement continued.
Meanwhile, while the church has called for prayers over the safety and quick release from his abductors, it wasn’t disclosed if the church has made contact with his abductors and if a ransom has been demanded.
Read the full statement from the Sokoto Diocese below…
The worsening cases of kidnapping in different parts of the country has indeed surpassed alarming stage, and has become a huge threat to human existence in this part of the world.
It seems the evil has become a new get rich quick scheme in the country, and it is no longer the case of targeting wealthy people. Now, the perpetrators of this evil block any road of their choice, hijack commercial buses, and place ransom on each passenger inside the bus.
On most occasions, those whose family members couldn’t afford the ransom are killed and left to rotten away in the bush/forest. We are really in for a serious problem, and this requires a serious engagement by government at all levels.
