The Catholic priest kidnapped in Ebonyi State on Monday, Rev. Father Joseph Azubike, has regained his freedom alongside three others kidnapped with him.
The Chancellor of Abakaliki Diocese, Rev. Father Mathew Opoke, made the disclosure in a statement issued late Tuesday, adding that they were released unconditionally.
Rev. Father Joseph Azubike, who is the Parish Priest of St. Charles Parish, Mgbaleze Isu in Onicha Local Government Area, was abducted near the Church by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
Rev. Father Opoke said in the statement: “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 Azubike, 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.”
Opoke thanked Governor Ogbonnaya Nwifuru for his pragmatic effort to secure their release, including security agencies and the community youths.
He added: “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.” Read more.
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