Bishop’s wife and Bari diocesan secretary freed

TWO women in Nigeria — Saratu Zubairu, who is married to the Bishop of Bari, in Kano State, and the Diocesan Secretary, identified as Deborah — have been released, ten days after they were abducted by gunmen who laid siege to the village of Gidan Mato. They were kidnapped on 10 March; their release was confirmed by the Primate of Nigeria, the Most Revd Nicholas D. Okoh, during in Holy Trinity Cathedral, Lokoja, last Friday, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) reports. The chief executive of CSW, Mervyn Thomas, said: “CSW 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.” It is not known whether a ransom was paid.

Sudanese church promised support after attacks

THE Sudanese government's pledge to investigate a series of extremist attacks on the Sudanese Church of Christ in Jabarona has been welcomed by Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW). The church suffered attempted arson in December, and three more such attacks in January. Church leaders have also been threatened. The Minister of Religious Affairs and Endowments, Nasr al-Din Mufreh, said in a statement that the government would be taking measures to protect the church and arrest the culprits. CSW’s chief executive, Mervyn Thomas, said: “We urge the government to ensure that there is a swift investigation, that all perpetrators are brought to justice, and that the congregation receives the necessary security to enable them to meet without fear.”