The Diocese of Zaria in Kaduna State, northern Nigeria, has announced “with joy” the release of a priest held captive for 40 days Father Felix Zakari Fidson was released on 3 May.
Diocesan chancellor Father Patrick Adikwu Odeh said: “With hearts filled with joy, we announce the return of our brother, the Rev. Fr. Felix Zakari Fidson, who was abducted shortly after he left his residence at St. Ann’s Zango Tama II on his way to the diocesan headquarters on Thursday, 24 March, 2022.”
The abduction of Zakari, pastor of St. Ann’s, Zango/Taman Parish, was immediately followed by an appeal for prayers for his release.
In a March 25 statement, Odeh asked the people of God to also pray for other abductees.
“We call on all men and women of goodwill to pray for the safe release of Father Felix Zakari Fidson and others from the hands of their abductors, on this day of the Solemnity of the Annunciation,” he said.
“Through the intercession of Our Lady, the Mother of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and our mother, may our brother Rev. Fr. Felix Zakari Fidson and others return to us safe and sound.”
In a statement on May 4, Odeh expressed gratitude to Catholics who had prayed unceasingly for Zakari’s release.