A Catholic priest, Rev. Father Livinus Maurice, has regained his freedom four days after he was kidnapped by gunmen along the Elele-Isiokpo Road in Ikwere Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Father Maurice, the Parish Priest of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Isiokpo, was abducted last Wednesday while returning from a hospital visit.
Two other individuals, whose identities are still unknown, were also taken.
Following the abduction, the Catholic Diocese of Port Harcourt, led by Bishop Bernadine Anaele, issued a statement calling for the unconditional release of the priest.
Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the state police command, confirmed on Sunday that Father Maurice and the two other victims were freed due to the collaborative efforts of security forces.
The priest and his companions were released at around 6:30 am on Sunday after intense pressure from a team consisting of police officers, soldiers from the Joint Task Force, and local vigilantes.
The statement from Iringe-Koko read: “On February 16, 2022, at approximately 6:30 am, we received information confirming the release of the kidnapped victims, including Rev. Father Maurice Livinus. Their freedom followed sustained pressure from a security team composed of police officers, soldiers, and local vigilantes. The victims have been reunited with their families and are receiving medical attention. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators.”
In another development, an unknown group of assailants has abducted another Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Jude Onyeka, in Onitsha, Anambra State.
The abduction occurred early on Thursday morning along the Building Materials Section of Ugwunwasike Bypass in Ogidi, Idemili North LGA.
Rev. Fr. Onyeka, a member of the Onitsha Archdiocese, was formerly the Parish Priest of St. Edmund Catholic Church in Nkpor before his recent transfer to St. Dominic Catholic Church in Abatete.
The Chancellor of the Onitsha Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Prudentus Aroh, announced the abduction on Saturday, requesting prayers for the safe return of the missing priest.
As of now, the abductors have not contacted either the church or the priest’s family.