The Methodist Church in Britain had issued a statement on Monday expressing its “deep shock and concern” at the abduction of the Most Rev Dr Samuel Kanu.

The BBC reported late on Monday night that the prelate had been freed, although it was unclear how he had been released.

Dr Kanu was kidnapped by gunmen on Sunday along with the Bishop of Owerri, the Rt Rev Dennis Mark, and the Prelate’s Chaplain, the Very Rev Jeremiah Shittu. 

The kidnapping happened in Abia state, south-east Nigeria after the Church leaders had attended an event. 

It is not clear who was responsible for the abductions.

In a joint statement, the President of the Methodist Conference of Great Britain, Rev Sonia Hicks, and Vice President Barbara Easton had asked for prayers and for Nigeria “where kidnappings, violent extremist attacks and murders by armed groups, are frequent occurrences, and many live in fear”.

Source: Christian Today