From Kamsi Anayo, Onitsha
Kidnappers struck again in Onitsha the commercial hub of Anambra state, abducting a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Jude Onyeka.
Rev. Fr. Prudentus Aroh, the Chancellor of the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, confirmed the incident in a statement to the Onitsha Archdiocesan Presbyterium.
He stated that the incident occurred on Feb. 13, along the Building Materials-Ugwunwasike Bypass, Ogidi.
“As of now, the abductors have not established any contact,” he said.
“His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian M. Okeke, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha, invites us to earnestly pray for his quick and safe release as all efforts are being made to secure his freedom.
“We commend our brother, Fr. Jude, to the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Priests, for his speedy release from the hands of his abductors,” Aroh added.
Onyeka, a priest of the Onitsha Archdiocese popularly known as Fr. Marshal, was formerly the Parish Priest of St. Edmund Catholic Church, Nkpor, before his recent transfer to St. Dominic Catholic Church, Abatete, Idemili North LGA of the state.
When contacted for confirmation, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the incident had not yet been brought to his attention.
Gov. Chukwuma Soludo recently launched security outfits “Operation Udo Ga Achi and Agunechemba” to crackdown on criminal syndicates and the dismantling of kidnappers dens which have started yielding positive results.
It would be recalled that Late Hon. Justice Azuka, the member representing Onitsha North 1 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, was kidnapped on Dec. 24, 2024, along Ugwunaobankpa Road in Inland Town, Onitsha, and was later killed.
He was on Saturday buried amidst tears from family members, state government, Labour Party members and well-wishers.
