By Charles Igwe
Fr. Mikah Suleiman, a Catholic priest from Nigeria’s Diocese of Sokoto, has thanked the faithful for their prayers and support following his release from abduction. In a video message shared on Facebook on July 7, Fr. Suleiman, who was kidnapped from his Parish Rectory on June 22, assured everyone of his well-being. “By the grace of God, I am out of the hands of the bandits; thank you very much. As you can see now, I am looking happy and better,” he said.
The Diocese of Sokoto’s Director of Communications, Fr. Pascal Salifu, expressed the diocese’s joy over Fr. Suleiman’s release. He extended gratitude to God, the authorities, and all who contributed to the priest’s rescue. Fr. Salifu noted that Fr. Suleiman is receiving the necessary care and support and urged continued prayers for his recovery.
Nigeria has been facing increased violence from gangs and the Boko Haram insurgency, which has posed significant challenges since 2009. These incidents often involve kidnappings for ransom and other attacks. The abduction of Fr. Suleiman is part of a troubling trend targeting clergy members in Nigeria. Other recent incidents include the abductions of Fr. Basil Gbuzuo from the Archdiocese of Onitsha and Fr. Oliver Buba from the Diocese of Yola, both of whom have been released. However, Fr. Gabriel Ukeh from the Diocese of Kafanchan and Fr. Christian Ike along with Mr. Ogbonnia Aneke from the Diocese of Ekwulobia remain in captivity.
