Terrorist group Boko Haram has on Wednesday released Pastor Bulus Yikura who was abducted and initially billed to be executed on March 4.

Mr. Yikura was released Wednesday evening.

The victim was seen being driven to the office of the State Security Service in Borno State around 6:15 p.m. 

Responding to questions on his freedom, Mr. Yikura repeatedly said, “I thank God, I thank God.”

The dreaded terror group had last week released a video of the pastor appealing to the federal government and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for his release as the group had threatened to kill him by the end of the week.

The EYN pastor who could be seen on his knees with a man in a mask standing behind him and holding a dagger, said he had until today before he could be free or be killed.

The 7 day ultimatum for his execution began from February 24 to March 4.

In the video, the pastor said, “I have been given only seven days to appeal for assistance that will help me out of this torture.

“If truly you want to rescue me from this untold suffering and threat to life, then you have to act fast.

“I am also calling on the EYN president to help mobilise help that will rescue me, and also pray for me so that God will make things easy for me here,” he appealed in the video.

Negotiations had been taking place between the religious sect, the family members and the EYN church to secure his release, Premium Times reported.