The abducted parish priest of St. Raymond Catholic Church in Damba, Gusau, Zamfara state, Mikah Suleiman, has issued a desperate plea for help in a video circulating on social media.Â
The 51-second clip shows Suleiman, dressed in a blue T-shirt and boxer shorts, sitting on the ground and appealing for assistance to regain his freedom.
Suleiman was kidnapped by bandits in the early hours of June 22 from the rectory located within the church premises in Gusau, the state capital. In the video, the priest explains that he is the only one being held captive by the bandits.
“I am pleading for help to be freed from this place,” Suleiman says.
“They (bandits) told me that they don’t keep people here for long. People don’t stay for up to a week. They told me that killing a person is not difficult for them. They said they are just helping me by keeping me; please, I am asking for help.”
He continues, “Please save my life in the name of God. Look at my head; look at my legs. I was tied to a robe, and I am the only one in this place. Normally, if they kidnap somebody, they don’t waste time. If ransom is not paid immediately, they kill the person. Please, for God’s sake, help me.”
Towards the end of the video, a stick from one of the bandits standing off-camera is seen touching Suleiman’s head, adding to the distressing nature of the situation.
The video has sparked widespread concern and calls for urgent action to secure Suleiman’s release.
The local community and the authorities are being urged to act swiftly to ensure his safety and return.
