12th July, 2023
By Christian Ogbonna
Rev. Fr. Joseph Azubuike of St. Charles Parish of Catholic Church, Mgbaleze Isu in Onicha LGA of Ebonyi State and the three persons abducted with him on Monday have regained freedom.
He was abducted alongside the three persons in Isu, Onicha Local Government Area of the state.
However, Ebonyi State Police Command and Abakaliki Diocese of Catholic Church confirmed the release of the priest and the three abducted persons late Tuesday.
A statement on Tuesday in Abakaliki by SP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, Spokesperson of the Command, said Azubuike was released unhurt at about 1800hrs.
“Rev. Father Joseph Azubuike has been rescued unhurt, hale and hearty as a result of the concerted efforts of the Operatives of the Command.
“Serious manhunt is on for the perpetrators, who escaped during the rescue mission. The Rev, father is in the hospital now for medical checks,” the police spokesperson said.
Also in a statement, Rev. Father Mathew Opoke, Chancellor of Abakaliki Diocese confirmed the rescue of Azubuike on Tuesday.
He said the three other victims were released by the kidnappers unconditionally.
(NAN)
OOC/MZA