The Police in Imo say they have launched a strategic operation to rescue a Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Jude Maduka, who was kidnapped on Sunday morning.
Maduka, the Parish Priest of Christ the King Parish, Ezinachi/Ugwuago of the Diocese of Okigwe in Okigwe Local Government Area, was abducted while preparing for the Eucharistic Mass celebration.
The kidnap occurred barely 24 hours after yet-to-be identified gunmen ambushed and killed two policemen at Okpala junction in Ngor-Okpala Local Goeêvernment Area.A Catholic faithful, who pleaded anonymity, said the Diocese has been notified of the incident.
The source, who expressed worry over the incident, noted that Catholic priests have become sudden targets of hoodlums in the State.“It has not been long a Catholic Priest of St. Paul’s Catholic Parish, Osu in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area, Rev. Fr. Michael Asumogha, in the same Okigwe Catholic diocese, was kidnapped and later released.
“This is not a good development and it should be nipped in the bud,” the source said, while praying for the quick release of Maduka.
The Police spokesman in the State, ASP Henry Okoye, confirmed that indeed, Fr Maduka was kidnapped at the building site of his adoration centre.
Okoye said the Commissioner of Police, Muhammed Barde, has ordered full investigation and manhunt for the kidnappers.
“We are currently on the trail of the kidnappers to immediately rescue the priest and bring the hoodlums to face the wrath of the law,” he said.
( source: eyewitnessngr
