Tension As Gunmen Kidnap Popular Anambra Catholic Priest, Police React

• A reverend father in Anambra state has been kidnapped from his base and whisked away to an unknown location
• The chancellor of the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, Prudentius Aroh, disclosed that prayer was ongoing for the safe rescue of the kidnapped cleric
• However, the spokesperson of the Anambra state police command, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the abduction and shared further details

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

Idemili, Anambra state - Gunmen have kidnapped Basil Chukwuemeka, a Catholic priest in Anambra state, south-east Nigeria.

How Catholic priest was kidnapped in Anambra

As reported by PremiumTimes, the man of God was abducted on Wednesday, May 15, at Eke Nkpor by Obosi Bypass in Idemili North local government area of the state.

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The chancellor of the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, Prudentius Aroh, announced this in a statement on Thursday.

He noted that the bishop of the archbishop of the Archdiocese, Valerian Okeke, has called for intensified prayers among the Catholic faithful for the safe release of the cleric, Leadership reported.

“Until now, the abductors have not established any contact with anybody,” he said.

Police launch manhunt for kidnappers

However, the police authorities in Anambra state said they have launched a manhunt for the abductors and possible rescue of Fr. Gbuzue, The Sun reported.

In a statement on Thursday, the police spokesperson in Anambra state, Tochukwu Ikenga, said the commissioner of police, Nnaghe Obono Itam, addressed the Catholic priests during their meeting in Onitsha.

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The CP allayed their fears and assured them that the command would do everything to rescue the priest unhurt and arrest the abductors.

“Anambra Police Command has launched a manhunt for the abductors and possible rescue of Reverend Fr. Basil Chukwuemeka,” he said.

Tears as 2 Catholic priests die in Anambra

In another development, Legit.ng earlier reported that the Ekwulobia Diocese in the Aguata local government area of Anambra state had been thrown into mourning following the death of two Catholic priests.

The clergymen, Fr. Ernest Anayo Nwankwo and Fr. Christopher Nchekwube Ike, passed on on March 19, 2024, and April 9, 2024, respectively.

The death of the reverend fathers left a deep void within the Ekwulobia community and the Catholic faithful.

Proofreading by Nkem Ikeke, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng