Catholic Priest Kidnapped By Gunmen In Taraba State
A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Thaddeus Tarhembe, has been kidnapped by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers in Taraba State, according to the Catholic Diocese of Wukari.
The Communication Officer of the diocese, John Jerome Laikei, said in a statement that the priest was abducted in his parish at Saint Ann’s Parish, Sarkin Kudu in the Ibi Local Government Area of the state in the early hours of Sunday, October 29, 2023.
He said the kidnappers had not contacted the diocese or the priest’s family to demand any ransom.
He appealed to the security agencies and the state government to ensure the safe and speedy release of the priest.
He also urged residents to pray for his safety and quick return.
The spokesperson of the state Police Command, Abdullahi Usman, confirmed the incident and said the police were on the trail of the kidnappers.
He said the police had deployed operatives from the anti-kidnapping unit and other tactical teams to rescue the priest and arrest the culprits.
He assured that the police would do everything possible to secure the life of the priest and bring his abductors to justice.
