The parish priest of St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Ibi local government council of Taraba State, Rev. Fr. Thaddeus Tarhembe, who was kidnapped in the state last Sunday, has regained his freedom.
The priest was abducted by suspected kidnappers in the early hours of Sunday from the parish residence of St. Ann’s, in Sarkin Kudu area of Ibi council.
Announcing his release via a press statement signed by Rev Fr John Jerome Laiken, and made available to journalists on Tuesday in Jalingo, the state capital, by the Catholic Diocese of Wukari, the priest was said to have been released unhurt by his abductors on Monday.
The Bishop of the diocese, Most Rev. Mark M. Nzukwein, also expressed satisfaction at the immediate release of the cleric.
Some of the parishioners who spoke with our reporter expressed gratitude to God for the timely release of the priest.
They praised the security operatives and the state government for ensuring the priest’s safe rescue.
At the time of filing this report, our reporter in the state could not ascertain whether a ransom was paid or not.
