PeakNews Online
Gusau, Zamfara – June 23, 2024
In a distressing incident early Saturday morning, gunmen suspected to be bandits kidnapped Reverend Father Mikah Suleiman, a Catholic priest, from his rectory at St. Raymond Catholic Church in Damba, Gusau.
The abduction took place within the church premises in the early hours, causing alarm and concern within the community.
The Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, led by Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah, confirmed the kidnapping in an official statement signed by the Diocese’s acting Chancellor, Very Reverend Father Nuhu Iliya. The statement expressed deep concern over the increasing frequency of kidnappings targeting priests across the nation.
“The Diocese is gravely worried about the growing insecurity and the specific targeting of religious leaders, which has become a troubling trend,” Iliya stated. “We call on the authorities to take swift and decisive action to ensure the safe return of Reverend Father Suleiman and to address the broader security challenges that are putting so many lives at risk.”
St. Raymond Catholic Church Damba is situated approximately five kilometers from Gusau, the capital of Zamfara state. The Damba community has recently faced numerous bandit attacks, leading to multiple abductions and prompting many residents to seek refuge in safer areas.
The abduction of Reverend Father Suleiman is the latest in a series of kidnappings that have plagued the region, underscoring the escalating security crisis in Zamfara and other parts of Nigeria. The local community, along with the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, is calling for urgent government intervention to enhance security and protect citizens, especially those in vulnerable areas.
As the investigation continues, the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto and the parishioners of St. Raymond Catholic Church are praying for the safe return of Reverend Father Suleiman. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the kidnapping to come forward to assist in the efforts to rescue the priest and restore peace to the community.
