Gunmen on Thursday night kidnapped the priest in charge of St Michael’s Catholic Church Parish in Umuekebi, Osuoweerre autonomous community in the Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, Rev Fr Kingsley Eze, popularly known as Father Ichie.
The priest and another man identified as Uchenna Newman, who drove the priest in a Volvo jeep were kidnapped at Orieama junction around 8 pm on Thursday.
The suspects were also said to have robbed shop owners at the junction before leaving the scene.
A parishioner who confirmed the incident 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 Newman.
An indigene of the area said the incident was not the first time it was happening. He said, This is the third kidnapping is 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.”
The police in Imo state is yet to confirm the incident
