Nigeria:

The Diocese of Wukari in Nigeria’s Taraba state has confirmed that a parish priest who was abducted by armed men on Sunday has been safely released from captivity. It was Fr Thaddeus Tarhembe of St. Ann’s parish who was freed on Monday night.

His release was confirmed by Fr John Laike, the Communications Director of the Catholic Diocese of Wukari. It appears that Fr Thaddeus was abducted by unknown men early on Sunday, October 29. He was taken from his residence on the premises of the parish church in Sarkin Kudu. The diocesan statement says, “He was released by his abductors yesterday Monday, 30th October 2023, in the late hours of the day.

“The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Wukari, Most Rev Mark M. Nzukwein, on behalf of the priests, religious, and Laity of the Diocese, thanks and appreciates you all for your prayers and solidarity in this trying moment in the life of our young Diocese,” mentions the statement.

The parish premises where Fr Thaddeus lived has a few other people, including the stewards. But the kidnappers only targeted the priest’s residence. The abduction came just two days after the residents of Pupule community in Yorro Local Council received news about the kidnapping of six people.

Taraba state is witnessing a spate in the number of abductions and killings of Christians. The October 29 attack in St Ann’s Parish in Ibi Local Govt Area is a first of its kind. Already the Church in the state has lost many members in such kidnappings and killings.

Meanwhile, members of the ecumenical Christian Association of Nigeria in the state have sought an end to the insecurity plaguing the country and the state. The state is located in the northeastern part of Nigeria and it is bordered by trouble-hit Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau States where violent gangs and armed Fulani herdsmen rule the roost.