Kidnapped Catholic Priest regains freedom


THE Parish Priest of Saint Margaret’s Catholic Church, Ajegbe Awume in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Anthony Adikwu, who was kidnapped last Thursday has regained his freedom. 

The Priest in the Diocese of Otukpo, was reportedly abducted Thursday about 10p.m., by armed men, who stormed the Parish house shooting sporadically before taking him away. 

It was gathered from a source that after his kidnap, the Benue State Police Commissioner, Mr. Julius Okoro deployed personnel to the area to ensure the rescue of the Priest. 

The source said: “Men of Operation Zenda, Special Joint Security team were deployed to the area to comb the Ochaigede Agadagba forest in Ohimini LGA and have the Priest rescued. 

“It was while the operation was going on that his abductors probably sensed that the police were closing in on them and they released the priest on Tuesday evening and fled. 

“He has since reunited with the church and loved ones and I must emphasise that no ransom was paid for his release.” 

Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent, Catherine Anene confirmed the release of the Priest. 

She said: “He was released yesterday (Tuesday) because of the pressure we mounted on the kidnappers. Our men were all over the area and because of the pressure of our operation in the place, they released him and fled. No arrests were made but we are still working on the matter.”

Culled from Vanguard


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