Nigerian priest Father Mikah Suleiman was released on Sunday, July 7th, after more than two weeks in captivity.
The parish priest of St. Raymond’s Catholic Church in Damba, Nigeria had been abducted from his presbytery in the Diocese of Sokoto, in the early hours of Saturday, June 22nd. In the days that followed, fears for his safety grew, especially after a video was released, in which the captive priest warned of threats to kill him. Father Suleiman said, “[The bandits] told me that killing a person is not difficult for them. Please save my life in the name of God.”
Announcing Father Suleiman’s release, Bishop Matthew Kukah of Sokoto thanked the Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) for their prayers: “Thank you so much [to] the entire ACN family. Your love and support mean so much.”
In a video message shared on Facebook, Father Suleiman stated that he was in good health, adding: “I want to thank you for your prayers and your support toward my rescue. By the grace of God, I am out of the hands of the bandits. Thank you very much.”
Father Pascal Salifu, the diocesan communications director, said, “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to God for his protection and to everyone who offered prayers and support during this challenging time. Our thanks also go to the authorities and all involved in securing Father Mikah’s release.
– John Pontifex
