The abducted Catholic priest in Otukpo, Benue State, Reverend Fr. Peter Amodu, has regained his freedom. He was kidnapped on Wednesday around 5:00 pm along Otukpo – Ugbokolo road while he was on his way to celebrate the Holy Mass at Okwungaga-Ughbokolo.
Rev. Amodu, is in charge of Holy Ghost Parish at Eke-Olengbeche under the Otukpo diocese. He regained his freedom on Friday around 8:30 pm.
His release was announced by the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, in a statement signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr Joseph Itodo.
In the statement, the diocese thanked everyone who was involved in the release of the priest.
The statement read in part, “It is with grateful hearts that we announce the safe release of our priest, Rev. Fr Peter Amodu from Abduction.
“Fr. Peter, who was kidnapped on July 6, 2022, at about 5:00 pm along Otukpo/Ugbokolo highway, Benue State, was released unharmed today, July 8, 2022, at about 8:30 pm."
In addition, the church prayed for those who are still in the captivity of kidnappers that they would regained their freedom.
Kidnapping of Catholic priests have become a norm in the country recently. For months, there have been recorded cases of clerics who have become a target for these gunmen.
Recently, a cleric was attacked by gunmen in his home in Zamfara, killing his two sons. The sad incident was confirmed by the Adamawa State government..
The gunmen had attacked the home of Rev. Daniel Umaru of Church of The Brethren in Nigeria, Njairi, in Mubi Local Government Area. They had shot at the Pastor, killed two of his sons, and abducted his 13-year-old daughter.
In a statement by the State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, through his Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, on Wednesday, he condemned the dastardly act of the gunmen who are yet to be identified.
He sent his condolences to the bereaved and also directed the relevant security agencies to bring the culprits to book.
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