Kidnapped Kaduna Catholic priest regains freedom

A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu, who was abducted by gunmen in Kaduna State has regained his freedom.

Fr. Sylvester, who is an Associate Pastor of St. Anthony's Parish, Fadan Kono, in Kaura Local Government Area of the state, was abducted from the rectory at about 11:45pm on Tuesday, December 20, 2022.

The Chancellor, Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Uchechukwu Okolo, who confirmed the development in a statement, said the priest was released on Friday, December 23.

"With hearts filled with joy, we raise our voices in a symphony of praises as we announce the return of our brother, Rev. Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu, who was abducted by armed persons from the Rectory at St. Anthony's Parish, Fadan Kono, in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State," the statement read.

"We want to thank all those who have offered prayers and entreaties for the quick release of our Priest and others who are still in the des of their kidnappers. We pray God to hasten the release of those who are still in the hands of their captors,"