Police rescue kidnapped Ebonyi Catholic priest
The operatives of the Ebonyi State Police Command have rescued Rev. Fr Joseph Azubuike who was abducted alongside three others by gunmen on Monday.
The State Command Spokesperson, SP Onome Onovwakpoyeya made this disclosure in a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday night.
The statement read, “At about 1800hrs today Rev Father Joseph Azubuike was 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. Thank you all,” she said
The Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki chancellor Rev. Fr. Matthew Uzoma Ofoke, however, hailed the release of the priest and others abducted alongside with him.
The cleric expressed gratitude to Governor Francis Nwifuru, security agencies and the youths of Isu community for their prompt action.
The cleric said, “Prayers Answered to God be the glory. The Lord of host is with us the Lord of Jacob is our stronghold Psalm 46-7.
“We are glad to inform you that Fr. Azubuike and the other three have regained freedom from their abductors. It is a thing of joy that God answered our prayers and gazetted unconditionally the 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 the other three persons. We thanked His Excellency, the Governor of Ebonyi State for his determination and concern towards the safety of those abducted.
“We thanked the security agencies and youths of the Isu community, and 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 evil.
“The Lord of hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our stronghold.”
The Rev. Azubuike and three others were kidnapped on Monday by gunmen while returning from church.
