Gunmen release kidnapped Catholic priest and three others in Ebonyi
The Catholic priest, Joseph Azubike, abducted on Monday by gunmen in Ebonyi State, southeastern Nigeria, has been released.
He was released on Tuesday along with three other abductees with him.
PREMIUM TIMES had reported how Mr. Azubike, the parish priest of St. Charles Parish, Mgbaleze Isu, in the Onicha local government area of the state, was abducted near the church as he was returning from his pastoral duties.
Another priest, Mathew Opoke, who is the chancellor of the Diocese of Abakaliki, confirmed the priest's release in a statement on Tuesday evening.
He said the priest was released unconditionally even though the gunmen initially demanded an undisclosed sum of money as a ransom.
The Chancellor thanked Governor Ogbonnaya Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, security agencies and community youth for their efforts to secure the release of the priest and three others.
"The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Psalm 46:7.
"It is a thing of joy that God has answered our prayers and announced the unconditional release of His servant in a very remarkable way.
“We are grateful to God for effecting this release. We are grateful to everyone who took action upon hearing the bad news of his abduction along with three other people,” Mr. Opoke said in the statement celebrating the release of the priest and others.
The police also confirmed the release of the four people.
Kidnapping for ransom has become a widespread crime in most Nigerian cities. Everyone, including students, school children and religious people, seems like an easy target.
Thirty-nine Catholic priests have been killed, while 30 were kidnapped in 2022, according to a report.
Support PREMIUM TIMES integrity and credibility journalism Good journalism is very expensive. Yet only good journalism can guarantee the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy and a transparent government. For free and continued access to the best investigative journalism in the country, we ask that you consider your modest support of this noble endeavour.
TEXT ANNOUNCEMENT: Call Willie - +2348098788999
The Catholic priest, Joseph Azubike, abducted on Monday by gunmen in Ebonyi State, southeastern Nigeria, has been released.
He was released on Tuesday along with three other abductees with him.
PREMIUM TIMES had reported how Mr. Azubike, the parish priest of St. Charles Parish, Mgbaleze Isu, in the Onicha local government area of the state, was abducted near the church as he was returning from his pastoral duties.
Another priest, Mathew Opoke, who is the chancellor of the Diocese of Abakaliki, confirmed the priest's release in a statement on Tuesday evening.
He said the priest was released unconditionally even though the gunmen initially demanded an undisclosed sum of money as a ransom.
The Chancellor thanked Governor Ogbonnaya Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, security agencies and community youth for their efforts to secure the release of the priest and three others.
"The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Psalm 46:7.
"It is a thing of joy that God has answered our prayers and announced the unconditional release of His servant in a very remarkable way.
“We are grateful to God for effecting this release. We are grateful to everyone who took action upon hearing the bad news of his abduction along with three other people,” Mr. Opoke said in the statement celebrating the release of the priest and others.
The police also confirmed the release of the four people.
Kidnapping for ransom has become a widespread crime in most Nigerian cities. Everyone, including students, school children and religious people, seems like an easy target.
Thirty-nine Catholic priests have been killed, while 30 were kidnapped in 2022, according to a report.
Support PREMIUM TIMES integrity and credibility journalism Good journalism is very expensive. Yet only good journalism can guarantee the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy and a transparent government. For free and continued access to the best investigative journalism in the country, we ask that you consider your modest support of this noble endeavour.
TEXT ANNOUNCEMENT: Call Willie - +2348098788999
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