Suspected IPOB/ESN gunmen abduct Catholic priest, six others in Enugu, demand N100 million ransom
Suspected gunmen, believed to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)/ the Eastern Security Network (ESN), have abducted a Catholic priest and six other individuals along the Eke-Egede-Affa Road in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The Diocesan Chancellor and Secretary, Rev. Fr. Wilfred Chidi Agubuchie, confirmed that the priest, Fr. Okide, was kidnapped on Sunday at approximately 5:00 pm while he was en route to his parish, St. Mary Amofia-Agu in Affa.
An anonymous witness revealed that the kidnappers left the children of the other victims inside their car, where they cried helplessly until police operatives arrived at the scene to rescue them.
READ ALSO: Troops eliminate IPOB/ESN fighters in Abia, Enugu, recover arms cache
Since the incident, the kidnappers have reportedly made contact with the victims’ relatives, demanding a ransom of N100 million before they will release Fr. Okide and the other captives.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Church has called for prayers for the swift and safe release of Fr. Okide and the other hostages.
