Abducted Catholic priest Fr. Cyril Okafor rescued by vigilante in Anambra

Catholic priest, Rev. Father Cyril Okafor, has been rescued by the Umueri community vigilante team, less than 24 hours after he was kidnapped in Anambra.

The priest was kidnapped on Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 15, around the Holy Ghost Adoration Centre, Igboukwu in Anambra state.

The President-General of Umueri Community and African Director of the International Association of Peace Advocates, Chief Johnny Chukwudi Metchie, said Wednesday, Nov. 16, that the cleric was abducted at about 3 pm on Tuesday but rescued around 4:30 am on Wednesday by the vigilante team who intercepted the kidnappers.

He said: "Today, at about 4:30 in the morning, the agile men of the Umueri vigilante group led by the CSO, Friday, intercepted some kidnappers in Umueri and rescued a Reverend Father, identified as Rev. Father Cyril Okafor."

The statement said the clergyman, who is currently with the Police at Otuocha Police Station, was whisked to Enugu and then to Nteje by the kidnappers before he was finally dumped in an abandoned house in Umueri.

Metchie warned criminal elements to stay away from Umueri and the entire Omambala region, stressing that the joint task force in place would always fish them out for the law to handle.

He further pleaded with members of the community and its environs to remain vigilant and work with local security to ensure that crimes are reduced in the area.