SaharaReporters had reported that the Frs Stephen Ojapa and Oliver Okpara, and two others were kidnapped inside their parish on May 25, 2022.
The two Catholic priests under the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto kidnapped by gunmen suspected to be Islamic terrorists in Kafur, Katsina State have regained their freedom from captivity after spending over one month in captivity.
SaharaReporters had reported that the Frs Stephen Ojapa and Oliver Okpara, and two others were kidnapped inside their parish on May 25, 2022.
However, on Sunday, the Director, Social Communications, Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Fr. Christopher Omotosho, announced their release.
Among those he said were released are Fr. Stephen Ojapa, Fr. Oliver Okpara, Mr. Hassan Hassan and Ms. Ummie Hassan.
He said, “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 of 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.”
The parishes are under the Sokoto Catholic Diocese, presided over by Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah which covers Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi states.