Gunmen have abducted a Catholic priest, Very Reverend Fr Thaddeus Tarhembe, the priest in Charge of Saint Anne’s Parish, Sarkin Kudu Ibi, in Wukari Diocese in Taraba State.
The Bishop of the Diocese Most Rev. Mark Nzukwein who disclosed this today in a press release signed by the Diocese’s Director of communication Rev. Fr. John Jerome Laikei, said that the gunmen stormed the residence of the Priest this morning and whisked him away.
He urged the public to pray for his quick release and called on security agencies to move in quickly and rescue the priest safely.
“I am directed by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Wukari, Most Rev Mark Nzukwein to inform the general public of the kidnap of one of our priests, Very Rev Fr Thaddeus Tarhembe. The sad event occurred in the early hours of Sunday 29th October, 2023 in the Rev Fathers rectory of his parish.
“He is the Parish Priest of St Ann’s Parish, Sarkin Kudu in Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State. We solicit for prayers from all people of good will for his safety and quick release by his abductors, May God bless you as you join us in prayers for God’s intervention”.
Meanwhile, four persons were also kidnapped around Winners Comprehensive School in Jalingo last night.
A resident told our correspondent that the gunmen made away with at least four persons after shooting sporadically and creating panic in the area.
Police spokesman for Taraba State Police Command SP Abdullahi Usman could not be reached for confirmation as he did not pick or return calls put through to him.