From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
The Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned the abduction of Reverend Father John Bako Shekwolo, the Parish Priest of St. Theresa Catholic Church, Ankwa Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The Chairman of the Association in Kaduna state, Rev. John Joseph Hayab stated this in a statement made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday.
According to the statement, CAN said it notes with pains that kidnapping in Kaduna State has become a big business, and appealed to the consciousness of the kidnappers to kindly release Father Shekwolo unhurt.
The statement added that it is sad that Kaduna State has become centre of kidnapping with government doing almost nothing to stop it , which shows there is governance failure as far as security of lives and properties is concern.
“Unless we stop playing lips service to issues of security, the evil of kidnapping and other insecurity problems will not stop.
“Government and security agencies must wake up to their full responsibilities of protecting lives and properties of its citizens which is the essence of government existence.
“To the kidnappers, CAN appeal to them to please release the poor and innocent Priest unhurt to the waiting hands of the Church and his family.
“Meanwhile I am appealing to all faithful and lovers of peace to continue to pray for Father Shekwolo and for God to touch the hearts of the kidnappers, “ he stated.
Meanwhile, Kaduna state Police Command said a team of Police Mobile Force (PMF) and the Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) have been mobilized with a view combing the area to rescue the priest and apprehend the kidnappers.
The Police Public Relations Officer DSP Yakubu Sabo disclosed this in a statement issued yesterday.
The statement further added that the Kaduna state Police Commissioner Mr Ahmad Abdurrhaman is calling people with useful information as well as the general public to assist in apprehending the culprits as well as rescuing the abducted priest
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