A Catholic priest, Rev Fr Christian Ike has been abducted by gunmen in Ndiokpaleke in Ajali community in Orumba North local government area of Anambra State.
The cleric was reportedly whisked away by the hoodlums on Sunday, along Amagu junction of the area.
According to sources, the hoodlums had double-crossed the victim who was returning from an early morning Mass at St. Michael Catholic Church with two other persons in his car.
“The priest and two other persons were returning from St. Micheal Catholic Church, where they attended morning service.
“On getting to Amagu Junction, their vehicle was double-crossed by armed men operating in three vehicles, while the other two other persons escaped the scene, the criminals took away the priest and some personal belongings of the occupants in the vehicle.”
Confirming the incident, Police spokesman, Tochukwu Ikenga said the Command was aware of the incident and has drafted its intelligence and operational assets for possible rescue of the victim.
He said, “Anambra State Police Command received the information of the abduction of Rev Father Christian Ike and has deployed its intelligence and operational assets of the Command for possible rescue unhurt.
“Eyewitness account revealed by 10:30 am on 16/6/2024, the priest and two others were returning from St. Micheal Catholic Church Ndiokpaleke where they attended morning service, along Amagu Junction, they were double-crossed by armed men operating in three vehicles, while the other two escaped the scene, the criminals took away the priest and some personal belongings of the occupants in the vehicle.
“To this end, the Command has activated its intelligence and operational assets for possible arrest of the assailants and rescue unhurt of the priest.
“Further development shall be communicated as it unfolds.”
