A Nigerian priest who was kidnapped earlier in the week has been released.
The Fides and Daily Trust news agencies said Fr Emmanuel Dim was stopped in his car and abducted by armed Islamist Fulani herdsmen on Monday in the southern Enugu State.
He was travelling with two other priests who escaped: Fr Ezeokana, who was injured, and Fr Chukwuemeka, who was shot in the head and taken to hospital. His condition remains unknown.
The Islamist Fulani herdsmen demanded a ransom of approximately £6,200 (2.5 million Nigerian nairas) for Fr Emmanuel, however his release was secured without it.
The Awka Diocesan Chancellor, Very Rev Francis Chidume, said: "We thanked God for the release of Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Dim... without any ransom paid. We're happy."
Fr Emmanuel is now said to be recovering with the Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Most Rev Godfrey Onah.
A priest and his brother, yet to be unidentified, were also kidnapped in the same area as Fr Emmanuel on Monday. Their whereabouts remain unknown.
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Article by Aaron James
Tola Mbakwe is a multimedia journalist for Premier.
