Gunmen Abduct Catholic Priest In Delta For The Second In Four Years

Reports disclosed that Fr. Onyebadi was taken into the bush alongside three workers on his farm. While the priest is being held incommunicado, the three workers who were abducted alongside him were later set free.

It was also learned that the search party organised by the family members of the priest in conjunction with locals in the area, including members of the local vigilance group have not yielded the desired results.

Speaking on the incident, Rev. Fr. Charles Uganwan, the communication director, Catholic Diocese of Issele Uku confirmed the development.

Uganwan said that the matter had been reported to the security agencies and that members of the church had embarked on prayers for his release unhurt.

He said the kidnappers have not made any contact or demanded ransom.

He, therefore, pleaded with the kidnappers who may not know that he is a priest to release him unconditionally.

When contacted, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, confirmed the incident, saying: “The police have been dispatched to the bush to rescue the Catholic Priest.”