Gabriel Ukeh, the presiding priest of St. Thomas Catholic parish in Zaman Dabo community, Zango Kataf LGA of Kaduna state, has been abducted by bandits.
Ukeh was said to have been abducted at the parish rectory in the early hours of Sunday.
In a statement on Sunday announcing the incident, Emmanuel Kazah, the vicar general, condemned the incessant abductions of citizens for ransom payment and called on security agencies to up their game.
“While we solicit fervent prayers for his urgent and safe release, we equally condemn this act of incessant kidnappings for ransom of innocent and defenceless citizens of our communities, and we call upon the government to horn its security intelligence as we approach the celebration of Sallah,” the statement reads.
“As we work with security operatives for his quick release, we wish to call on all to stay away from taking the laws into their hands. We will use every legitimate means to ensure that Fr. comes back to us safe and sound.
“Through the intercessions of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Priests and Religious, may Jesus the crucified hearken to our prayers and hasten the unconditional release of His Priest and every other abducted person.”
Mansir Hassan, spokesperson for the Kaduna State police command, could not be reached when contacted.
