A priest of the Nnewi Catholic Diocese, Rev Fr Stanislaus Mbamara, kidnapped by gunmen on Friday has regained freedom.
Chancellor of the diocese, Rev Fr Raphael Edeogu who revealed this in a statement, said the priest was released on Sunday, after two days in captivity.
The diocese in a statement, signed by the Chancellor, Fr. Raphael Ezeogu, had called for prayers for the priest’s release, expressing hope he would come out unhurt.
The statement reads: “Our priest, Rev. Fr. Stanislaus Mbamara, a student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, was kidnapped yesterday (Friday) evening, on his way from Awka to Nnewi.
“Let’s storm heaven with humble and insistent prayers for his quick release in sound health of mind and body. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Help of Christians, pray with and for us.”
But Ezeogu, confirming the cleric release in another statement on Sunday, thanked Catholic adherents and their friends who joined them in prayers for his release.
The statement reads: “With joy, Nnewi Diocese is announcing that today June 4 2023, Rev. Fr. Stanislaus Mbamara, kidnapped two days ago, has been liberated.
“We sincerely thank all of you who joined us in prayer for God’s intervention.
“Please, join us in happily acknowledging God’s compassion once again. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning, is now ever shall be, world without end.”
The priest who is said to be a student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University was kidnapped on Friday, while driving from Awka to Nnewi. No details of his release were given as at the press time.