Unknown assailants abduct Catholic priest and driver in Imo
Late on Thursday night, unidentified gunmen seized Rev Fr Kingsley Ichie, a Catholic priest from St Michael’s Catholic Church parish in the Umuekebi community, Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
The abduction occurred at Orie Ama junction around 8 pm, where the priest and his driver, Uchenna Newman, traveling in a Volvo jeep, were taken captive.
A parishioner, who requested anonymity, confirmed the incident, stating, “It is accurate. Our parish priest, Rev Fr Kingsley Eze, has been kidnapped. He was abducted alongside Mr. Uchenna Newman.”
“They disembarked from a Volvo jeep to make a purchase at the junction before the kidnapping occurred. Additionally, they targeted and robbed business individuals at the same junction. This is truly regrettable. We fervently pray for the safe and swift return of our parish priest and Mr. Uchenna.”
It has been reported that this marks the third kidnapping incident in a span of two weeks along the Anara Umuelemai Road.
As of now, the spokesperson for the state police, Henry Okoye, has not provided a response to the incident.