Nigeria: Kidnapped priest freed

A Nigerian priest who was abducted from his home has been freed, local press report.

Fr Emmanuel Akingbade, parish priest of St Benedict of Ido-Elkit , was seized from the parish house by three armed men on 8 June. Prayers and special Masses were said throughout the Diocese of Ekiti for his safe return.

The Bishop of of Ekiti Diocese, Most Rev Felix Ajakaye, confirmed that Fr Akingbade had been released on Tuesday, 16 June after some negotiations. The kidnappers had asked for a large sum of money but the bishop said he told them the Church was not a money making institution. He stressed that no ransom had paid, but gave no further details. Bishop Ajakaye appealed that there should be recriminations or bad feelings against the kidnappers. "We want things to change for the better in our State," he said.

A special Mass of Thanksgiving was said at in St Patrick's Cathedral in Abujal, and parishioners at St Benedict's are rejoicing at the return of Fr Akingbade.