Gunmen abduct Catholic priest in Anambra

Gunmen have kidnapped an Anambra State-based priest of the Catholic Church, Reverend Father Christian Ike.

Ike was said to have been taken away by the assailants on Sunday, along Amagu junction, Ndiokpaleke in Ajali community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The reason for the incident has yet to be ascertained, but eyewitnesses in the area said the priest was returning alongside two other persons from an early morning Mass at St. Michael Catholic Church, when the vehicle he was moving in, was double-crossed by the assailants.

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.”

The latest abduction will be the second incident in two months as it would be recalled that another priest, Reverend Father Basil Gbuzuo, was kidnapped near Onitsha, on May 15, by unknown gunmen.

Gbuzuo was later released some weeks later after some undisclosed amount of ransom was paid to his captors.

Confirming the incident, the Anambra State police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the command has heard about the incident and has deployed its intelligence and operational assets for his possible rescue unhurt.

Ikenga 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.