Kidnapped Catholic Priest, three others regain freedom
From Chinedu Nwafor, Abakaliki
The Parish Priest of St. Charles Parish, Mgbaleze Isu in Onicha Local Government Area of the State, Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Azubuike has regained his freedom.
He was released alongside the other three persons abducted with him.
Fr. Joseph was kidnapped alongside three others, on Monday, on his way back from pastoral duties.
A statement titled “Call For Prayers” which was signed by the Diocese’s Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Matthew Uzoma Opoke, on Tuesday, confirmed that the Priest was abducted close to his Parish.
The kidnappers, according to the statement, were making financial demands before they could be released.
But the Abakaliki Catholic Diocese, in another statement titled ” Prayers Answered- To God be the Glory” which was signed by the Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Matthew Uzoma Opoke, on Tuesday night announced the release of the kidnapped Priest with the other three victims.
The statement reads:” The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Psalm 46:7.
“We are glad to inform you that Fr. Joseph Azubuike, together with the other three persons, has regained freedom from his abductors. It is a thing of joy that God answered our prayers and gazetted the unconditional release of His servant in a very remarkable way.
“We are grateful to God for effecting this release. We are grateful to all those who swung into action on hearing the ugly news of his abduction together with three other persons. We thank His Excellency, the Governor of Ebonyi State for his determination and concern towards the safety of those who were abducted. We thank the security agencies and the Youths of Isu Community. We thank you for your prayers.
“We pray God to, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Saints, continue to deliver us from all evils. Amen.
“The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.”
Confirming the development, the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, said the Catholic Priest was released unhurt.
The Police spokesman, said: “At about 1800hrs todayRev Father Joseph Azubuike has been rescued unhurt, hale and hearty as a result of the concerted efforts of the Operatives of the Command.
“Serious manhunt is on for the perpetrators who escaped during the rescue mission.
“The Rev. father is in the hospital now for checks.”
