The parish priest of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Amofia-Agu Affa, in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, Rev Fr Marcellinus Okide, who was kidnapped along Eke-Affa-Egede Road while returning to his parish has regained his freedom.
Fr Okide was kidnapped on Sunday en-route to his parish with other people in his vehicle.
Recall that the priest was kidnapped while traveling along the Eke-Egede-Affa Road around 5:00 pm.
The Diocesan Communication Director Rev Fr Anthony Aneke, confirmed Fr Okide’s release on Friday morning, but didn’t disclosed whether a ransom was paid or not.
Also in the statement Aneke made available to journalists, signed by Diocesan Chancellor/Secretary, Fr Wilfred Chidi Agubuchie, thanked Christians for their prayers during the trial moment.
According to the statement, Fr Okide was released around 8:00 pm on Thursday evening, September 21.
The statement partly read, “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.”
