Abducted Enugu Catholic priest regains freedom
The Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Arinze Madu of Queen of Apostles Seminary, Imezi Owa in Ezeagu Local Government Area, Enugu State, who was abducted on Monday at the gate of the institution by gunmen has regained his freedom. Confirming his release, the Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ebere Amaraizu, said “the priest was released unhurt Wednesday afternoon”.
It would be recalled that the state government had charged the security agencies to ensure the rescue of the priest. The state command of the Nigeria Police Force and other sister agencies had intensified efforts in the manhunt for the freedom of the kidnapped priest.
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The Catholic Diocese of Enugu in its official Facebook page, also confirmed the release of the priest, stating that “Father Madu, the kidnapped priest of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu has been released”. It added that Father Madu “was released this (Wednesday) afternoon from the kidnappers’ den.”
It would be recalled that Madu was abducted on October 28 at about 5:50p.m. near the gate of the seminary as he was driving out after suspected hoodlums had fired sporadically.
There has been kidnappings in recent time in Enugu, with Catholic priests being targets of abduction and heinous crimes. Rev.Fr. Paul Offu, of St. James Greater Parish, Ugbawka, Nkanu East Local Government Area, was shot dead on Aug. 1 along the Ihe-Agbudu Road in Awgu Local Government Area.The clergy had earlier resisted abduction before Monday’s incident.
