Catholic diocese rejoices as priest is freed barely 24 hours after kidnapping

Fr. Benson Bulus Luka was kidnapped from his parish residence in Nigeria’s Kafanchan diocese on Sept. 13, 2021. / Kafanchan Diocese

Kafanchan, Nigeria, Sep 16, 2021 / 03:10 am (CNA). A Nigerian Catholic priest kidnapped at his parish residence on Monday has been freed.The priest’s liberation was announced on Sept. 15 by Fr. Emmanuel Uchechukwu, chancellor of Kafanchan diocese, in northern Nigeria, reported ACI Africa, CNA’s African news partner. “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,” Uchechukwu said. “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, Sept. 13, 2021.” “Barely 24 hours after his kidnap, our beloved brother priest was released by his abductors. ”Uchechukwu, chancellor of the diocese within the Ecclesiastical Province of Kaduna, thanked those who had prayed for the priest’s release. “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,” he said. “We pray to God to hasten the release of those who are still in the hands of their captors. ”Uchechukwu encouraged priests to celebrate Masses of thanksgiving following Fr. Luka’s release. “May Our Lady of Guadalupe intercede for us and all those that are still in captivity,” he added.Fr. Luka’s abduction was announced on Sept. 14.Nigeria has experienced rising insecurity since 2009, when Boko Haram, one of Africa’s largest Islamist groups, launched an insurgency seeking to turn Africa’s most populous country into an