Barely 24 hours after his abduction, Rev. Fr. Jeremiah Yakubu, the Kaduna Catholic Priest kidnapped on Sunday, has been freed.
The development was made known on Monday night in a statement addressed to newsmen by the the Chancellor of Kafanchan Diocese, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Uchechowe Okolo.
The statement read, “With hearts filled with joy, we raise our voices in a symphony of praises as we announce the return of our brother, Rev. Fr. Jeremiah Yakubu, who was abducted by armed persons from the Rectory at Holy Trinity Parish, Karku, in Kauru Local Government Area, Kaduna State, at the late hours of Sunday June 11, 2023.”
He added that Yakubu was released on Monday evening, 12 June 2023. He thanked all those who have offered prayers and entreaties for the quick release of their priest and others who are still in the dens of their kidnappers.
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He prayed to God to hasten the release of those still in their captors’ hands.
He ordered that all their Priests are directed to kindly celebrate Mass of Thanksgiving to God tomorrow, 13 June, 2023 for the quick release of Fr. Jerry Yakubu.
Earlier, Okolo announced Yakubu’s abduction in a statement he released on Monday.
The statements reads, “It is with great pain that we announce to you the kidnapping of our Priest, Rev. Fr. Jeremiah Yakubu. The sad and ugly event occurred on Sunday 11th June, 2023 at about 11pm.
“Fr. Jeremiah who is the Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Parish, Karku, was abducted from the parish rectory in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
“While we solicit for an intense prayer for his quick and safe release, we equally wish to call on all and sundry to refrain from taking the laws into their hands.
“We will use every legitimate means to ensure his quick and safe release. May Jesus crucified on the Cross, listen to our prayers and hasten the unconditional release of His Priest and all other kidnapped persons.”