Except he changes his mind, there are fears the Methodist Prelate, His Eminence, Dr. Chukwuemeka Kanu Uche , may spill the beans on the huge sum that was paid as ransom by the Church for his release from the hands of his abductors.
The Prelate was released a day after he was kidnapped with others.
A knowledgeable source told Everyday.ng on Tuesday afternoon that because of the Prelate’s truthful and blunt disposition, he may put a lie to the story that security agencies were involved in his release..
“When N20 million was offered to the kidnappers, they threatened to waste His Eminence. It led to a scramble and they did not want their Prelate, due for retirement by November, to be killed,” the source said.
“Someone told me that if the man plays true to type with his bluntness, he is going to tell journalists at a scheduled press conference the bitter truth that we are hiding. If he does, then be ready for it,” he added.
He suggested that the church may have paid up what the kidnappers demanded.
But the Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu is attributing the release to the grace of God, adding that the fervent prayers of the Christian Community and the well coordinated response from security agencies contributed to his release.
A statement by Sir Onyebuchi Ememanka, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor reads: “Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has expressed delight at the release from kidnappers’ captivity of the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr. SCK Uche, the Methodist Bishop of Owerri, Rt Rev Okechukwu Michael and the Prelate’s Chaplain.
“Governor Ikpeazu has spoken with the Prelate who is in high spirits. The Governor is grateful to God Almighty for His saving grace.
“The Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria is a son of Abia State. They were kidnapped on Sunday around the Nkwoagu – Leru axis in Umunneochi LGA, off the Enugu – PH Expressway.
“The Governor attributed the release of these eminent men of God within 24 hours of their abduction to the grace of God, the fervent prayers of the Christian Community and the well coordinated response from security agencies in Abia State.
“Governor Okezie Ikpeazu assures that security will be stepped up around the Isuikwuato – Umunneochi axis of the State where there has, in the recent past, been a spike in the activities of criminals.
“The Governor stated that the location of the area around the state’s borders with 4 states of Imo, Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi makes it attractive to criminals who easily enter the State and also escape through any of these routes.
“The Governor called for Inter State Collaboration with the neighboring states in securing those areas and stamp out the activities of criminals there”.
Prelate Uche was kidnapped with the Methodist Bishop of Owerri, Rt. Rev. Dennis Mark, the prelate’s chaplain and the driver at the Okigwe/Isuochi axis on the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway.
They were on their way to Owerri Airport en-route Lagos after a Sunday service, when they were kidnapped.
The kidnappers contacted relations of the victims, demanding a N100 million ransom.
It was not clear whether the ransom was paid or not before they were set free.
The Police and the church have been dodgy on what actually transpired for the clergymen to be freed.
Police spokesman in Abia, Superintendent Geoffrey Ogbona will not be drawn into that aspect while the Presbyter of the Wesley Cathedral, Umuahia, Very Rev. Aaron Akabuokwu, simply said, “It is true that the evil men that laid their hands on the men of God have set them free to the glory of God.
“Information reaching us is that the prelate, along with other victims, has been released.
“I don’t have details for now on where and how they were released by the kidnappers.”
