Two missionary priests of the Congregation of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Claretians), who had been kidnapped in Nigeria earlier this month, have finally been released and taken to a hospital for medical attention.
Fr. Kenneth Kanwa and Fr. Jude Nwachukwu were abducted on 1 February from the rectory of St. Vincent de Paul Fier parish in the Diocese of Pankshin, in the Nigerian state of Plateau.
Fr. Polycarp Lubo, president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Plateau, confirmed the release and reported that both were released “in the first hours.” on Thursday, 8 February.
Although he could not reveal “whether a ransom was paid to secure the release of the priests,” the priest reported that “they had been taken to the hospital for medical examinations.”
Plateau State Security Command Public Relations Officer Alfred Alabo also confirmed the release.
“No suspect is in police custody yet, as those arrested by local vigilantes were never handed over to the police,” he reported.