“We pray to God to hasten the release of those who are still in the hands of their captors,” he added. “May Our Lady of Guadalupe intercede for us and all those that are still in captivity.”
The release of Yakubu is the latest in a series of kidnappings and murders involving members of the clergy, seminarians, and other Christians in Africa’s most populous nation.
On June 7, Father Charles Onomhoale Igechi of the Archdiocese of Benin City, who was set to mark his first priestly anniversary on Aug. 13, was shot dead while returning from pastoral duties.
On June 2, Father Stanislaus Mbamara, a priest ministering in Nigeria’s Nnewi Diocese, was kidnapped and later set free.
Officials of the Christian Association of Nigeria have urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was sworn in on May 29, to prioritize the security concerns and the economic struggles of the people of God in the West African nation.
“Nigeria is facing a number of challenges that require strong and decisive leadership. From security concerns to economic struggles, it is clear that there is much work to be done in order to ensure that Nigeria can reach its full potential,” Rev. Daniel Okoh said May 29.