Rev. Fr. Godfrey Mark Chimezie
Abducted Catholic priest regains freedom
[From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia]
Priest of the Umuahia Catholic Diocese who was abducted by gunmen has regained his freedom, after 10 days in captivity, unhurt.
Announcing the release of Rev. Fr. Mark Chimezie Godfrey, an Assistant Priest of St Theresa’s Catholic Parish, Afaraukwu Umuahia in Abia State, the Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. Dr.Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, in a statement he personally signed, expressed gratitude to God for facilitating the return of the priest, unhurt.
Bishop Ugorji in a two-paragraph statement titled “Announcing the Release of Rev. Fr. Mark Chimezie Godfrey,” expressed garatitude to God and all who joined in praying for the safe return of the abducted priest.
The statement read: “I am pleased to announce that one of my priests, Rev. Fr. Mark Chimezie Godfrey, who was kidnapped on October 13, 2021, has regained his freedom today, after 10 days in captivity. We thank God immensely for answering our prayers and facilitating his return to us unhurt.
“I take advantage of this opportunity to express our deep gratitude to all Bishops, Priests, Consecrated men and women and all Christ’s faithful who assisted us with prayers during the difficult and trying period of his captivity. May God bless and reward you abundantly for your solidarity.”
Rev. Fr Chimezie who hails from Enugu State and was ordained a priest in July this year, was kidnapped on the 13th of October, 2021 at Enyiukwu Road, Ohokobe Afaraukwu Ibeku in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State while returning from a Morning Mass..
Witnesses said that the kidnappers intercepted the clergy who had just concluded a morning mass at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Okpururie Afaraukwu, and forced him out of his Toyota Corolla into their jeep and sped away.
