Father Marcellinus Okide, a Catholic priest who was abducted by gunmen in Nigeria’s southeastern Enugu state on Sunday, has reportedly been released. According to sources, he was released on Thursday evening around 8:00 p.m.
Mr. Okide was one of six people who were kidnapped on Eke-Egede-Affa-Akpakwume Nze road in the Udi Local Government Area of the State.
The cleric serves as the parish priest of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Amofia-Agu Affa, and was on his way to the parish when he was abducted by the hoodlums. In a statement on Friday, Chancellor/Secretary of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, Chidi Agubuchie, confirmed his release, saying: “We are pleased to inform you that our brother and priest, Father Marcellinus Obioma Okide, has been freed from the den of kidnappers.”
The diocesan secretary, Agubuchie, expressed gratitude for the support and prayers of the Catholic community during the challenging time following the release of a kidnapped cleric. According to the diocese spokesperson, Anthony Aneke, the kidnappers demanded a ransom, but the amount was not disclosed.
It remains unclear whether the ransom was paid and if the cleric was released with the other abductees. Requests for comment from Aneke were not answered. Enugu State has seen an increase in kidnappings, including government officials and university students. In a recent incident, a police officer was killed during a kidnapping attempt on travelers in Enugu East Local Government Area.
Another attack last month led to one death and multiple abductions along the Ugwogo-Neke Odenigbo road. Therefore, it is crucial to take precautions when traveling in these areas.