Joseph Azubuike, a Catholic priest who was abducted on Monday in Isu, Onicha local government area of Ebonyi State has been freed.
PeriscopeNews earlier on Tuesday, reported that Azubuike, a priest of Saint Charles Parish, Mgbaleze Isu, in Onicha LGA, who was abducted alongside three others, was released unhurt.
Spokesperson, Ebonyi Police Command, Onome Onovwakpoyeya, said the priest was released at about 6 p.m. on Tuesday.
“Rev. Father Joseph Azubuike has been rescued unhurt, hale and hearty as a result of the concerted efforts of the operatives of the command,” Onovwakpoyeya, a superintendent of police, said.
“Serious manhunt is on for the perpetrators who escaped during the rescue mission. The Rev. Father is in hospital now for medical checks,” Onovwakpoyeya said.
The gunmen abducted Azubuike near his parish, on his way back from pastoral duties, according to a statement from the Abakiliki Diocese.
“He was abducted alongside three other people. The abductors are making financial demands, but with your prayers, we are going to have them back unconditionally,” the statement added.
The Chancellor of the Diocese, Mathew Opoke, a reverend father, confirmed the abduction in a statement on Tuesday.
READ ALSO: https://thecrux.org.ng/2023/07/11/catholic-priest-three-others-abducted-in-ebonyi/
He said that Azubuike was abducted close to his parish on his way back from pastoral duties.
Opoke said the abductors have established contact with the church, and have demanded for an undisclosed amount of money as a ransom.
The chancellor has asked the public to pray for the unconditional release of Mr Azubuike by his abductors.
“The abductors are making financial demands but with your prayers, we are going to have them back unconditionally,” he said in the statement.
Abduction-for-ransom has become one of the prevalent crimes in most Nigerian cities, and everyone, including students, school children and clerics, appear to be easy targets.
Thirty-nine Catholic priests were killed, while 30 were abducted in 2022, according to a report.
