Photo File Of Gunmen.
Gunmen abducted Rev. Fr. Kingsley Eze, also known as Father Ichie, the priest in charge of St Michael’s Catholic Church Parish in Umuekebi, Osuoweerre autonomous community, Isiala Mbano Local Government Area, Imo State, on Thursday night.
The incident occurred at Orieama junction around 8 pm when the priest and another man, Uchenna Newman, were kidnapped while driving in a Volvo jeep.
The suspects not only kidnapped the victims but also robbed shop owners at the junction before leaving. A parishioner, speaking anonymously, expressed the fear and concern among church members following the abduction of the priest and the other person.
The source said, “It is true. Our parish priest, Rev’d Fr Kingsley Eze, popularly known as Father Ichie has been kidnapped. He was kidnapped alongside Mr Uchenna Newman, at Orieama junction on Thursday around 8 pm.
“They came down from a Volvo jeep to buy something at the junction before they were kidnapped. They also robbed businessmen at the junction. This is so unfortunate. We sincerely pray for the safe return of our parish priest and Mr Uchenna.”
According to reports, an indigene of the area mentioned that the incident was not the first in the environ in a while.
He said, “Last night, around 8.30 pm, a man and a Rev Father were kidnapped at Orieama Junction. Several shops were robbed and destroyed by the kidnappers who operated on two motorcycles.
“The name of the priest is Rev’d Fr Kingsley Eze popularly known as Father Ichie of St Michael’s Catholic church at Umuekebi community. The person kidnapped alongside him is known as Uche Newman. This is the third kidnapping taking place within a space of weeks on the Anara Umuelemai road.
“Seriously, we need help. The worst is that, they move around in motorbikes carrying pump action guns. Please, the government should come to our rescue.
“They came on two motorbike and as they were going, they took the car belonging to the priest and the artisan. They also shot and unfortunately, one person was hit by the bullet. The gunshot victim was rushed to a hospital late last night.”