Kidnapped Nigerian Archbishop freed

Archbishop Ignatius KatteyPhoto: Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion)

An Archbishop in the Church of Nigeria who was kidnapped over a week ago is "safe and well" after being released, the Anglican Communion Office has said.  

Archbishop Ignatius Kattey was kidnapped with his wife, Beatrice, on August 6 close to their home in Eleme, Port Harcourt.  

Mrs Kattey was released soon after but Archbishop Kattey was held until his release on Saturday.  

Archbishop Kattey oversees the Niger Delta Province, a region where kidnappings for ransom have reportedly become common. 

Police said the Archbishop was released without a ransom on Saturday evening.  

His kidnapping was condemned by Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan and the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby.

A statement on the Archbishop of Canterbury's website said he "gives thanks" for the release of Archbishop Kattey.

Suffragan Bishop of the Diocese in Europe the Rt Reverend David Hamid said, "We give thanks for his freedom and return to his wife, family and Church community."