The kidnapped wife of the Bishop of Bari has been freed, the Primate of Nigeria, the Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh told his church’s House of Bishops on Friday.
During the consecration service of five new bishops and the installation of two archbishops on 20 March 2020 at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Lokoja in Kogi State, Archbishop Okoh reported Mrs. Saratu Zubairu and a diocesan secretary who had been kidnapped on 10 March 2020 were now home.
No details have been reported by the police or Church of Nigeria, however, a ransom had been demanded by the kidnappers for their safe return. On 10 March 2020 gunmen raided the town of Bari in Kano State and looted the town. Mrs. Zubairu and the diocesan secretary, named Deborah, were taken captive in the Anglican cathedral by the gunmen.
The announcement came during the consecration of Bishop-elect Felix Olorunfemi for Etsako Diocese, Bishop-elect Cletus Tambari for Gombe Diocese and Bishop-elect Benson Chukwunweike for Awgu/Aninri Diocese.
Two Suffragan were also consecrated for the Convocation of Anglicans in North America West diocese, Bishop-elect Scott Seely and Bishop-elect Celestine Ironna. The Most Rev. Markus Ibrahim was installed as Archbishop of the Province of Jos, and the Most Rev. Cyril Odutemu as Archbishop of the Province of Bendel.
