A Diocesan priest of Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia, Anambra State, Rev. Fr. Christian Ike has been abducted by gunmen in the State, barely one month after another Catholic priest, Rev. Fr Basil Gbuzue, was kidnapped by suspected gunmen at Nkpor junction, near Onitsha in Anambra state.
Fr. Christian Ike was reportedly whisked away by the criminal elements on Sunday, along Amagu junction, Ndiokpaleke in Ajali community in Orumba North local government area.
According to sources, the priest and two other persons were returning from an early morning Mass at St. Michael Catholic Church, when the vehicle he was moving in, was double-crossed by the hoodlums.
The source said, “The priest and two other persons were returning from St. Micheal Catholic Church, where they attended morning service.
“On getting to Amagu Junction, their vehicle was double-crossed by armed men operating in three vehicles, while the other two other persons escaped the scene, the criminals took away the priest and some personal belongings of the occupants in the vehicle.”
Rev Fr Lawrence Nwankwo, the Diocesan Chancellor, said in a letter addressed to all parishes in the Catholic diocese of Ekwulobia that the priest was kidnapped on Sunday at about 9:45 am while returning from mass at an outstation of St. Matthew’s Parish.
Fr. Nwankwo added that the priest was abducted alongside Ogbonnia Aneke, his driver.
“Please pray for the release of Rev. Fr. Christian Ike and Mr. Ogbonnia Aneke, who were kidnapped this morning around 9:45 a.m as they were returning from mass in an outstation of St. Matthew’s Parish, Ajalli, Orumba North LGA,” the letter reads.
“We implore the maternal intercession of our Mother of Perpetual Help for their immediate release.”
While confirming the incident, the spokesman of Anambra State police, SP Tochukwu Ikenga said the command has heard about the incident and has drafted its intelligence and operational assets for his possible rescue unhurt.
He said, “Anambra State Police Command received the information of the abduction of Rev Father Christian Ike and has deployed its intelligence and operational assets of the Command for possible rescue unhurt.
“Eyewitness account revealed by 10:30 am on 16/6/2024, the priest and two others were returning from St. Micheal Catholic Church Ndiokpaleke where they attended morning service, along Amagu Junction, they were double-crossed by armed men operating in three vehicles, while the other two escaped the scene, the criminals took away the priest and some personal belongings of the occupants in the vehicle.
“To this end, the Command has activated its intelligence and operational assets for possible arrest of the assailants and rescue unhurt of the priest.”
He added that further development shall be communicated as it unfolds.