Gunmen kidnap Catholic Priest, two others in Taraba state

Armed men suspected to be kidnappers have abducted one Rev. Fr Thaddeus Terhembe of Wukari Catholic Diocese in Taraba state.

The event happened early Sunday morning.

According to a press statement issued by the Catholic Diocese of Wukari’s communication officer, Rev Fr John Jerome, he was abducted in his parish at Saint Ann’s Parish, Sarkin Kudu in Taraba State’s Ibi Local Government Area.

Residents are urged to pray for his safety and prompt return, according to the message.

In a related development, two persons are said to have been kidnapped in the Gulum axis of Jalingo, Taraba State capital, and their personal belongings were taken away as well.

The kidnappers stormed the house of their victim without interference and whisked them to an unknown destination through a bush path.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Taraba State Abdullahi Usman confirmed the incident.

Meanwhile, a boat conveying over 80 passengers capsized in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba.

The boat is said to have capsized in the Binneri community of Karim Lamido midway through the Benue River on Saturday evening.

A source in the area Mister Jessy Danladi told newsmen that a few minutes after the incident, three bodies were recovered and thereafter twelve others were recovered by fishermen in the area.

He disclosed that the ill-fated boat was returning from a fish market in the Mayoreneyo community of the Ardo-Kola Local Government Area before the incident took place 50 minutes after take off.

Being used to the waters, no passenger was with a lifejacket, the source added.
The police spokesperson of the state Abdullahi Usman confirmed the incident but said the authentic figure is awaited from the divisional police officer of the area.