The abduction occurred in the early hours of Sunday at the parish rectory. In response, the Vicar General (Pastoral), Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Kazah, issued a press statement condemning the incident and calling for fervent prayers for the priest’s urgent and safe release.

Rev. Fr. Kazah decried the frequent kidnappings for ransom that plague the community and urged the government to enhance its security intelligence, especially as the Sallah celebration approaches. He assured that the Church would collaborate with security operatives to secure Rev. Father Ukeh's quick release and urged everyone to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.

“We will use every legitimate means to ensure that Rev. Father Gabriel Ukeh returns to us safe and sound,” Fr. Kazah emphasized. He invoked the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Priests and Religious, praying for the swift and unconditional release of the abducted priest and all other kidnapped individuals.

When contacted, the Kaduna State Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, promised to confirm the incident and provide updates.