The wife of a bishop of in the Diocese of Bari in Kano State in Nigeria who was abducted by gunmen on 10th March has been released.

The release of Mrs Saratu Zubairu was confirmed by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Most Rev Nicholas D Okoh, on Friday during a service at the Cathedral Church of Holy Trinity, in Lokoja, Kogi state.

Mrs Zubairu and a diocesan secretary identified as Deborah, whose release has also been confirmed, were kidnapped by gunmen who reportedly laid siege to Gidan Mato in Bari, where the Anglican Cathedral and Bishop's Court are situated, and looted the town and premises. 

The attack allegedly happened when the Bishop of Bari, Rt Rev Idris Ado Zubairu, had travelled to Plateau state. 

It's unknown whether or not a ransom was paid to secure their freedom.

Over the last two years, abduction for ransom or murder by armed groups specifically targeting Christian church leaders and their families is on the rise, according to religious freedom charity Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW).

CSW chief executive Mervyn Thomas said: "CSW welcomes the release of Mrs Saratu Zubairu and her colleague and wish both women a speedy recovery from this shocking ordeal. We remain deeply concerned by the growing trend of abductions for ransom spreading across Nigeria and continue to call on the government to do everything in its power to ensure adequate protection for vulnerable communities."