Gunmen free abducted Catholic priest in Akwa Ibom

Ini Billie, Uyo

Gunmen have released the Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Alphonsus Uboh of St. Pius X Parish in Ikot Abasi Akpan, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State: the cleric was kidnapped on Sunday.

It was gathered that the priest who was kidnapped at his residence shortly after returning from visiting a sick member, was released in the early hours of Thursday.

Though it is unknown if the ransom was paid to the hoodlums, the Catholic Secretariat in Uyo had called for prayers from members and other citizens to secure his release.

Speaking in a release on the kidnap, the Diocesan Chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Charles Ekeng, said the diocese was sad over the abduction of the clergy at his parish residence.

“It is with great pain that we officially confirm and announce to you the abduction of one of our priests, Bery Rev. Fr. Alphonsus Uboh from his parish residence at St. Pius X Parish in Ikot Abasi Akpan, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State,” he said.

Meanwhile, when the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Odiko Macdon was contacted, he denied knowledge of the release.

“I have not been informed of the release of the Catholic priest; I will speak when I am officially briefed,” he said.