By Ikeugonna Eleke
Gunmen have kidnapped a Catholic Priest in Anambra State, just one month after another priest, Rev Basil Gbuzuo, was kidnapped and rescued by security operatives.
Rev. Fr. Christian Ike, the Parish Priest of Saint Matthew’s Church in Ajalli, Orumba North Local Government Area, and a parishioner of the church, Mr. Ogbonnia Aneke, were taken in Ajali.
The abduction was said to have happened at about 10am last Sunday as he was returning from morning Mass.
The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the kidnap in a press release, saying it received the information and deployed its Intelligence and operational assets of the Command for possible rescue.
The Command said: ‘Eyewitness account revealed that by 10:30 am on 16/6/2024, the priest and two others were returning from St Michael’s Catholic Church, Ndiokpaleke, where they attended morning service, along Amagu Junction.
‘They were double-crossed (sic) 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 of the priest unhurt,’ the release said.
Meanwhile, the letter from the Church addressed to the parishes in Ekwulobia, equally confirmed the incident, asking for prayers.
The statement was from the Diocesan Chancellor of the Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Lawrence Nwankwo.
The statement read: ‘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 Aneke who were kidnapped this morning around 9.45 am as they were returning from Mass in an outstation of St. Matthew’s Parish, Ajalli, Orumba North L.G.A.’
