The two priests abducted by gunmen at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Kafur Local Government Area of Katsina State, Fr. Stephen Ojapa and Fr. Oliver Okpara, have been released.
Recall that the clerics were abducted alongside two other persons in the church presided over by Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto State, Matthew Hassan-Kukah, on May 25.
The Sokoto Diocese covers Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi States.
The Director of Social Communications in the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Christopher Omotosho, who confirmed the development in a statement on Sunday, said the priests, Fr. Stephen Ojapa and Fr. Oliver Okpara, were released alongside the other two victims.
He listed the duo as Mr. Hassan Hassan and Ms. Ummie Hassan.
The statement read: “With hearts full of joy, we announced that our brethren Fr. Stephen Ojapa, Fr. Oliver Okpara, Mr. Hassan Hassan and Ms. Ummie Hassan who were abducted by gunmen at midnight on 25th May, 2022 in the rectory of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Gidan Maikambo, Kafur LGA of Katsina State, have all gained freedom.
“We thank you for your prayers, support, encouragement, and show of love. May the name of the Lord be praised, now and forever. Amen! Thank you!”
