Kidnap: Enugu Catholic priest regains freedom

Kidnapped Enugu Catholic priest, Reverend Father Marcellinus Obioma Okide, has regained his freedom.

The priest was released on Thursday night after spending days in the kidnappers’ den.

Okide, a parish priest of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Amofia-Agu Affa, in the Udi Local Government Area of the State, was kidnapped on Sunday along with six other travellers by unknown gunmen.

His release was confirmed on Friday morning in a statement by the Diocesan Chancellor/Secretary, Fr Wilfred Chidi Agubuchie.

According to the statement, he was released around 8:00 pm on Thursday night.

“We are glad to inform you that our brother and priest, Fr. Marcellinus Obioma Okide, has been released from the den of the kidnappers.

“He was set free at about 8.00 pm on Thursday 21 September 2023.

“The Catholic Diocese of Enugu is grateful to the Almighty God for His protection over Fr. Okide, and thanks you for your prayers and Masses throughout this difficult period.

“May Our Lady, Help of Christians, intercede for us and our country Nigeria,” the statement partly read.



FI