Reverend Father Christian Ike, a Catholic priest based in Anambra State, has been kidnapped by unknown gunmen.
The incident occurred on Sunday at Amagu junction, Ndiokpaleke in Ajali community, Orumba North Local Government Area. The priest was abducted alongside another person, identified as Mr. Ogbonnia Anike, while returning from an early morning Mass at St. Michael Catholic Church.
The reason for the kidnapping is yet to be determined, but eyewitnesses reported that the priest’s vehicle was intercepted by the assailants, who were operating in three vehicles. While two other persons escaped, the gunmen took away the priest and Mr. Anike, along with some personal belongings.
The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the incident and deployed their intelligence and operational assets to search for the victims.
The police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, stated that the command is working to rescue the victims unhurt. “The 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,” he said.
The Diocese of Ekwulobia has also confirmed the abduction and called for prayers for the safe release of the kidnapped individuals.
In a letter, the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Lawrence Nwankwo, wrote, “Dear Brothers and Sisters, call for prayers. Kidnap case, Rev. Fr. Christian Ike. Please pray for the release of Rev. Fr. Christian Ike and Mr Ogbonnia Anike, who were kidnapped this morning around 9:45am as they were returning from Mass in an outstation of St. Matthew’s Parish, Ajalli, Orumba North L.G.A.”
This incident comes just two months after another priest, Reverend Father Basil Gbuzuo, was kidnapped near Onitsha and later released after a ransom was paid.
The police are currently investigating the incident and have activated their intelligence and operational assets to apprehend the assailants and rescue the priest. Further developments will be communicated as they unfold.
