By Ike Nnachi Abakaliki (ikengaonline.com)
Fr. Joseph Azubuike, the Catholic priest kidnapped on Monday in Ebonyi has regained freedom.
Also, three other individuals who were kidnapped with him were also freed by the gunmen.
Rev Father Mathew Opoke, Chancellor of Abakaliki Diocese confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday night.
He noted that they were released unconditionally.
The Chancellor thanked Governor Ogbonnaya Nwifuru, security agencies and youths of the community for their efforts to secure their release.
He said: “The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Psalm 46:7.
“We are glad to inform you that Fr. Joseph Azubuike, together with the other three persons, has regained freedom from his abductors.
“It is a thing of joy that God answered our prayers and gazetted the unconditional release of His servant in a very remarkable way.
“We are grateful to God for effecting this release. We are grateful to all those who swung into action on hearing the ugly news of his abduction together with three other persons.
“We thank His Excellency, the Governor of Ebony State for his determination and concern towards the safety of those who were abducted.
“We thank the security agencies and the Youths of Isu Community. We thank you for your prayers,” he added.
Ikengaonline reported that priest, who is the Parish Priest of St. Charles Parish, Mgbaleze Isu in Onicha Local Government Area of the state, was abducted near the Church while returning from his pastoral duties.
▪︎ Report by Ikenga Online.
