A Catholic priest, Rev Fr Chinedu Nwadike and a seminarian, Emmanuel Nwafor, who were kidnapped on Friday in Abia State have been released.
The priest who is the Deputy Registrar of Spiritan University, Nneochi Community in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State and the seminarian were kidnapped along the Enugu-Okigwe Expressway on Friday, August 12, 2022.
Their abductors had demanded the sum of N50million as ransom as the condition for their release.
It could not be confirmed if any ransom was eventually paid before their release.
Our correspondent gathered that the clergymen were released around the Nneochi-Ihube axis, the same area where they were kidnapped.
A source said, “Do kindly rejoice with us. May God be praised forever. My relative, Reverend Fr. Chinedu Nwadike, has eventually regained freedom.
“He and the seminarian, Emmanuel Nwafor were released in the evening of Sunday, August 14 unhurt to the glory of God.
“We express our grateful appreciation for your prayers. May God bless you all”
The priest’s younger brother, Chikezie Nwadike, expressed the profound gratitude of the family to God for the release of his elder brother and the seminarian.
Chikezie, who is the media aide to a former Chief of Staff, Imo State Government House, Owerri, Ugwumba Uche Nwosu also thanked all those who contributed in one way or another to secure the release of his brother and the seminarian.
Recall that the Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, His Eminence Samuel Kalu Uche was kidnapped alongside the Methodist Bishop of Owerri and his chaplain in July this year along the same axis.
A staggering N100million ransom was paid by the Methodist Church before the prelate and others were freed.
The kidnappers, according to the prelate, boasted that they are in charge of the forest in that axis.
The prelate, in an interview with Arise TV, accused security agents of complicity in the series of kidnappings that occur within the area.
