Update: Bandits Release Abducted Kaduna Catholic Priest

Reverend Father Luka Yakusak

Bandits who abducted Reverend Father Luka Yakusak who is in charge of St. Mathew’s Catholic Church, Anchuna in Zango-Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, has released him.

Anchuna village is in Ikulu Chiefdom, hometown of the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Kukah where his brother, who’s the traditional ruler of the Ikulu Chiefdom was abducted in the past.

A statement from the Kafanchan Catholic Diocese by its Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Uchechukwu Okolo, broke the news of the release on Wednesday and thanked all for their concern while offering prayers to God to hasten the release of other victims in kidnappers’ dens.

Bandits in large numbers had on Monday stormed the official resident of the Catholic priest at about 8:00pm and abducted him.

Although the statement did not categorically say when the Priest regained his freedom from his captors but noted that the cleric was set free “barely 24 hours after his kidnap.”

The statement titled, ‘Fr. Benson Bulus Luka is released,’ read, “With hearts filled with joy, we raise our voices in a symphony of praises as we announce the return of our Priest, Rev. Fr. Benson Bulus Luka. Fr. Benson was abducted by armed persons from his residence at St. Matthew’s Parish Anchuna, in Zango Kataf Local Government Area, Kaduna State, on Monday 13 September, 2021.

“Barely 24 hours after his kidnap, our beloved brother priest was released by his abductors.

“We want to thank all those that have offered prayers and entreaties for the quick release of our Brother Priest and Others who are still in the dens of their kidnappers. We pray God to hasten the release of those who are still in the hands of their Captors.

“All our Priests are directed to kindly celebrate Mass of Thanksgiving to God tomorrow, Wednesday 15th September 2021, for the quick and safe release of our Brother, Fr. Benson.

“May Our Lady of Guadalupe intercede for us and all those that are still in captivity!”