In a heartwarming turn of events, Sir Dr. Jude Nnam, the National Music Director of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and a member of the National Liturgical Commission of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), was released this morning by his captors after being abducted on November 14, 2024.
The renowned music director, who was reportedly kidnapped on that fateful day around 6:00 PM in his hometown of Umunnachi, Anambra State, was held in captivity for eight days. His kidnapping had sent shockwaves through the religious and musical communities in Nigeria, with many expressing their concern for his safety and well-being.
Today, Sir Dr. Nnam took to his verified Facebook page to announce his release, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of prayers and support he received during his harrowing ordeal. In his post, he thanked God for his safe return and called on choirs across the country to sing three of his compositions as a thanksgiving offering during Mass on Sunday, November 24, 2024. The songs include “My Story,” “Ekene Dili Chukwu,” and “Thanksgiving of Amazing Grace.”
“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your prayers during my ordeal,” Sir Dr. Nnam wrote. “To thank God with one voice for my release, I ask that choirs where possible, sing any of these my songs as their thanksgiving song during Mass on Sunday 24th November, 2024.”
The music director, known for his remarkable contributions to the Nigerian church’s liturgical music, emphasized the importance of coming together in song and prayer, urging Nigerians to celebrate his release while continuing to pray for others who are suffering similar fates or enduring various struggles in life.
“Let us rejoice together while praying for others who are going through the same situation and other struggles in life. Sing Praises!!!” he added in his message of hope and gratitude.
Sir Dr. Nnam’s release has been welcomed as a triumph of faith and resilience. However, authorities have yet to release details about the circumstances surrounding his freedom and whether any arrests have been made in connection with the abduction.
The news of his abduction and subsequent release has sparked widespread relief across Nigeria, particularly within the Catholic community, who had been praying for his swift return. Nnam’s contributions to the Nigerian church and his role in shaping liturgical music in the country have made him a beloved figure, and his safe return is seen as a major victory for both his family and the broader faith community.
As Nigerians prepare for Sunday Mass, choirs nationwide are expected to honor Sir Dr. Nnam’s request, singing his powerful compositions in a collective show of gratitude and faith.
