Onitsha Catholic Archdiocesan priest, Rev. Fr. Basil Gbuzuo, who was kidnapped on 15th May 2024 along Nkpor-Obosi in Anambra axis has finally regained freedom.
This was disclosed by the Anambra State Government in a press release by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Christian Aburime.
He said the Catholic priest was released “through the onerous efforts of the joint security task team of Anambra State Government and well meaning citizens”, adding, “the State Government will not rest on its oars, “as we work to ensure that any person held in captivity is released unconditionally and unhurt.”
“We also seize this opportunity to send a strong warning to all criminals, their collaborators and sponsors. The full weight of the law will be brought on all such persons who engage directly or indirectly in orchestrating criminal activities.
“However, note that the olive branch offer extended to criminal elements who operate in the mould of agitators is still open. They should avail themselves of avenues provided by the State for them to be trained, rehabilitated and integrated back into the society.
“The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo CFR, appreciates the contributions of all well meaning people in the onerous effort to make Anambra a peaceful and liveable homeland,” the statement said
Also the Anambra State Police Command also confirmed the release of the Reverend Father’s alongside a university professor who was also kidnapped.
The police statement reads:
“The Nigerian Police have successfully rescued a Catholic priest, Father Basil Gbuzuo, and Professor Sydney Onyeagu of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), who were kidnapped by unidentified gunmen in Anambra State.
“Father Gbuzuo was abducted on May 22 at approximately 8 a.m. while traveling along the Eke Nkpor-Obosi Bypass. The kidnapping was confirmed by Rev. Fr. Prudentius Aroh, Chancellor of the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha. He called for prayers and efforts to ensure the priest’s safe return, invoking the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary for his release.
“In a related incident, Professor Sydney Onyeagu was also kidnapped by suspected gunmen in the state.
“The Anambra State Police Command quickly launched an onslaught operation against the kidnappers. SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Police Public Relations Officer, announced that both victims were released unharmed. He also noted that the Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono Itam, has intensified efforts to thwart further criminal activities, leveraging critical information to curb crime effectively.”