Catholic Priest and Four Others Abducted in Taraba

• Catholic Priest Reverend Fr. Thaddeus Tarhembe abducted in Taraba State, Nigeria, raising concerns in the area
• A separate incident involved the kidnapping of four individuals, with one victim released and efforts to secure the release of the others ongoing

In a distressing turn of events, Reverend Fr. Thaddeus Tarhembe, a Catholic Priest responsible for Saint Anne’s Parish in Sarkin Kudu Ibi, Wukari Diocese, Taraba State, has been abducted. The announcement came from the Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. Mark Nzukwein, as detailed in a press release signed by the Diocese’s Director of Communication, Rev. Fr. John Jerome Laikei on Sunday.

Gunmen forcibly entered the priest’s residence on Sunday, seizing him and taking him to an undisclosed location. This unsettling incident has raised concerns and heightened tensions in the area.

Additionally, four individuals were kidnapped in a separate incident near Winners’ Comprehensive School in Jalingo on Saturday night. The assailants reportedly targeted a housewife, her two daughters, and a house helper. While the house help, a young girl, was fortunately released by the kidnappers, the other three victims remain in captivity.

SP Abdullahi Usman, the Police spokesman for the Taraba State Police Command, confirmed the abductions and the subsequent release of the house help. Law enforcement authorities are actively engaged in efforts to secure the safe release of the remaining victims, and investigations into these distressing incidents are ongoing.

Mass literacy: FG launches LEES programme in Southwest

The Federal Government has introduced the Literacy Through Economic and Empowerment Strategy (LEES) program in the southwest to enhance mass literacy and lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty.

During the launch of LEES for the Southwest at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Prof. Simon Ibor Akpama, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy and Non-Formal Education, called on state governors to support President’s renewed hope agenda.

Prof. Akpama emphasized that LEES is designed to augment NMEC’s vocational education programs, not only teaching people how to read and write but also equipping them with various skills such as tailoring, hairdressing, catering, and more, along with providing them with the necessary tools upon completing their training.