An unspecified number of armed men abducted Rev. Father Gabriel Ukeh, the presiding priest of St. Thomas Parish in Zaman Dabo Community, Zango Kataf LGA, Kaduna State, Northwest Nigeria, early Sunday morning at the parish rectory.
Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Kazah, the Vicar General (Pastoral), confirmed this in a press release on Sunday. He stated, “While we solicit fervent prayers for his urgent and safe release, we equally condemn this act of incessant kidnappings for ransom of innocent and defenseless citizens of our communities, and we call upon the government to sharpen its security intelligence as we approach the celebration of Sallah.
“As we work with security operatives for his quick release, we urge everyone to refrain from taking the law into their own hands. We will use every legitimate means to ensure that Fr. Ukeh returns 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.”
The Kaduna State Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, has yet to make an official statement on the incident.