The abducted Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Karku in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Reverend Father Jeremiah Yakubu, has been set free by his captors.
The Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, Father Emmanuel Okolo, confirmed the release, stating that Father Yakubu regained his freedom on Monday evening.
However, Father Okolo did not disclose whether a ransom was paid for the priest’s release. Reverend Yakubu was taken from the parish rectory in the Kauru Local Government around 11 pm on Sunday.
Kidnapping for ransom is a widespread occurrence in the North-west and North-central regions of Nigeria, with Kaduna being one of the most severely affected states. Religious leaders and members of vulnerable communities in the state have been targeted by kidnappers, resulting in some being killed while in captivity, and others being released after ransom payments.
