Archbishop Peter Imasuen, of Benin Diocese in Nigeria, has been released after being abducted at gunpoint a week ago.

There is no word as to whether the US$100,000 ransom demanded by his captors was paid or not.

The archbishop's colleague, Archbishop J.O. Akinfenwa of Ibadan who is also chair of the Oyo State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, said: "Evil people are now devicing every means possible to survive and this can be traced to the economy. The recent economic recession and the economic bankruptcy here and there are the major problems.

"In times like this, people run from pillar to pole to find ways of surviving. And for the wicked, they will continue in their wickedness."

Fear for the stability of Nigeria are increasing as the President continues his 60-day absence from the country, reportedly for medical treatment.

Archbishop Imasuen was kidnapped in Edo shortly after saying mass last Sunday.

Kidnapping for ransom is common in Nigeria, but Archbishop Imasuen's abduction comes just a week after clashes between Muslims and Christians left nearly 500 people dead in and around the central city of Jos. The Nigerian Anglican church accounts for 17 million of the world's 77 million Anglicans.

The Nigerian Tribune reported on Monday that Archbishop Imasuen was "trailed" all the way to his residence, where the suspected gunmen managed to lock the gatekeeper in his security outpost and force their way into complex. They pulled the prelate from his car and took him away.

His abduction came just days after the local governor's request to withdraw soldiers and special forces from the streets. The servicemen were initially put in place to curb the city's attacks and abductions.