Insecurity in Zamfara Takes Dark Turn with Abduction of Catholic Priest

Revd. Fr. Mikah Suleiman, the Parish Priest of St. Raymond Catholic Church Damba in Gusau, Zamfara State, has been kidnapped. The abduction occurred early Saturday morning at his residence.

The Catholic Diocese of Sokoto disclosed the abduction through a statement issued by its Acting Chancellor, Very Revd. Fr. Nuhu Iliya. According to Iliya, the kidnappers took Fr. Suleiman from the Father’s rectory in the early hours of June 22, 2024.

The statement reads:

“With sadness in our hearts, we write to inform the general public of the kidnap of one of our priests.

“This sad event occurred in the early hours of today, Saturday, 22nd June 2024 in the Father’s rectory. Fr Mikah is the Parish Priest of St. Raymond Catholic Church Damba, Gusau, Zamfara State.

“We invite all Christ’s faithful and all men and women of goodwill to earnestly pray for his quick and safe release.

“We equally commend him to the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Priests, for his speedy release from the hands of his abductors.”

Fr. Iliya urged Christians and well-wishers to keep Fr. Suleiman in their prayers, seeking divine intervention for his swift and safe return. The abduction adds to the growing concerns about security in Zamfara State, which has witnessed an increase in kidnapping incidents.

Authorities have not yet released details about the identity of the kidnappers or any demands they may have made. The local community and the Catholic faithful are in a state of shock, hoping for the safe return of their parish priest.