RIVERS: Kidnapped catholic priest freed after four days

Maurice was taken last Wednesday while returning from a hospital visit with two others whose identities remain unknown.

In response to the abduction, the Catholic Diocese of Port Harcourt, speaking on behalf of Bishop Bernadine Anaele, called for his immediate and unconditional release.

Confirming the development yesterday, state police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko stated that the trio were freed following intense pressure from security forces, including the police, Joint Task Force soldiers, and local vigilantes.

“At approximately 6:30 a.m. on February 16, Rev. Maurice Livinus and the other kidnapped victims were released after sustained efforts by security operatives,” Iringe-Koko said.

“They have since been reunited with their families and are receiving medical care, while investigations continue to track down the perpetrators.”

In a separate incident, another Catholic priest, Rev. Father Jude Onyeka, was abducted in Onitsha, Anambra State.

Onyeka, previously the Parish Priest of St. Edmund Catholic Church in Nkpor, was recently transferred to St. Dominic Catholic Church in Abatete, Idemili North Local Government Area.

He was reportedly taken on Thursday along the Ugwunwasike Bypass in Ogidi.

The Chancellor of the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, Rev. Father Prudentus Aroh, confirmed the abduction in a message sent to the Onitsha Archdiocesan Presbyterium platform.

“His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian M. Okeke, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha, has urged everyone to pray fervently for Father Jude’s safe and swift release. All efforts are being made to secure his freedom,” Aroh stated.

As of now, the kidnappers have not contacted the church or the priest’s family, and the Anambra State Police Command is yet to confirm details of the incident.