Catholic Priest, Father Mathias Opara, was kidnapped by gunmen in Imo State, Nigeria.
The incident occurred when the priest was traveling.
The gunmen, who were armed, intercepted his vehicle and took him away.
The kidnappers demanded a ransom in exchange for the priest’s release.
The priest’s family and the Catholic Church worked with security agencies to secure his release.
Father Opara was eventually released after a ransom was paid.
The incident highlights the security challenges faced by religious leaders and citizens in the region.
The kidnapping of Father Opara is part of a larger pattern of insecurity in Imo State, where kidnapping, armed robbery, and other violent crimes have become common.
The incident has sparked widespread concern and calls for improved security measures to protect citizens and prevent such incidents in the future.
Father Mathias Opara is a Catholic priest in Nigeria who was kidnapped by gunmen on May 26, 2023, while returning from a funeral.
He was released on Pentecost Sunday, May 28, 2023, after three days in captivity.
As the parish priest of Holy Ghost Obosima Catholic Parish of Owerri Archdiocese, Father Opara has been serving the community with dedication.
Father Opara was abducted on May 26, 2023, and released on May 28, 2023, after a widespread appeal for prayers and intervention.
He has been a priest since 1990, with over three decades of service to the Catholic Church in Nigeria.
Father Opara is affiliated with the Holy Ghost Obosima Catholic Parish in the Owerri Archdiocese.
The Catholic Church and security agencies worked together to secure his release, with the chancellor of the Nigerian Metropolitan See, Father Patrick Mbarah, announcing his freedom.