Tension as Gunmen Kidnap Catholic Priest, 1 Other in Imo
- Gunmen have kidnapped a Catholic priest, Rev Fr Kingsley Eze, popularly known as Father Ichi and one other
- The victims were abducted during an attack on Umuekebi, Osuoweerre autonomous community in the Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo state
- According to a parishioner, the Catholic priest was kidnapped alongside another man around 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 30
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 5-year-experience covering metro and government policy
Isiala Mbano, Imo state - A Catholic priest, Rev Fr Kingsley Eze, popularly known as Father Ichie has been kidnapped alongside another person identified as Uchenna Newman by unknown gunmen.
Father Ichie is the priest in charge of St. Michael’s Catholic Church Parish in Umuekebi, Osuoweerre autonomous community in the Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo state, Vanguard reported.
Source: Facebook
It was gathered that the priest and Newman, who drove the priest in a Volvo jeep, were kidnapped at Orieama Junction around 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 30.
A parishioner, who confirmed the incident on condition of anonymity with newsmen, said:
“It is true. Our parish priest, Rev Fr Kingsley Eze, popularly known as Father Ichie has been kidnapped. He was kidnapped alongside Mr Uchenna Newman, at Orieama junction on Thursday around 8 pm.
“They came down from a Volvo jeep to buy something at the junction before they were kidnapped. They also robbed businessmen at the junction. This is so unfortunate. We sincerely pray for the safe return of our parish priest and Mr. Uchenna.”
The state police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, had yet to issue a statement on the incident.
Gunmen abduct Catholic priest in Benue
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that gunmen kidnapped a Catholic priest, Reverend Father Mark Ojotu, along Okpoga-Ojapo road in the Okpokwu local government area of Benue state.
It was learnt that Ojotu, who is the Chaplain of St. Mary’s Hospital, Okpoga in Okpokwu LGA, was abducted Thursday evening.
The Catholic Diocese of Otukpo in a letter from the Diocesan Secretariat addressed to all Priests, Religious and Lay Faithful by the Diocesan Chancellor, Reverend Father Joseph Aboyi, confirmed the abduction of the priest.
Masked gunmen kidnap Catholic priest
A priest with the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, Rev. Fr. Joseph Igweagu, was kidnapped in Anambra state.
Igweagu, a parish priest in charge of St Joseph’s Parish, Abata Nsugbe, Anambra East Local Government Area of the state, has been missing since Wednesday, October 12.
He was said to have been abducted while returning after celebrating a Funeral Vigil Mass at Umunnachi in the Njikoka Local Government Area of the state.
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Source: Legit.ng
