Kidnapped Kaduna Catholic Priest Rev Father Amos, Regains Freedom

By Suleiman Anyalewchi

The abducted Kaduna State Catholic Priest, Rev Father Ibrahim Amos, has been released, according to the Diocese of Kafanchan.

Father Amos was, in the early hours of Thursday, April 24, 2025, whisked away  by suspected banditry elements from  his residence at St Gerald Quasi Parish, Kurmin Risga community of Kaura Local Council of Kaduna State.

A statement issued by the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, Rev. Father Jacob Shanet, on Thursday, while urging for prayers, also assured that all legitimate and available options were being explored to ensure that the abducted Cleric returned unharmed and in good health.

Rev Father Amos was, however, said to have been released by his  abductors ,at about 10 pm same Thursday.

The Catholic Diocese in a statement on Friday April 25, 2025, expressed immense gratitude to  the public and security operatives for their Prayers and unflinching support during the trying period.

“While we appreciate God for everything ,we equally want to thank everyone for walking with us in such a dark and terrible moment.

“Your kind gestures, love and prayers are a testament to the fact that we are not alone in the struggle to respect and promote the dignity of human life.

“May the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of Priests, Religious ,and all the Angels intercede for those in captivity and bring them back to their families and communities safe and sound”, Rev Father Shanet stated.

Rev Father Amos’s abduction came just about five weeks after the kidnap and subsequent murder of Rev Father Sylvanus Okechukwu within the same Kaura Local Government.

Okechukwu was kidnapped on March 4 by a 6-member syndicate from his residence at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Tachira Community, Kaura Local Council.

It was not, however, clear as at the time of reporting, if the payment of ransom was involved in securing freedom for the abducted Cleric.

The Police and other relevant authorities have  continued to maintain silence.