The suspected kidnappers of two Catholic priests who were abducted in Delta state have reportedly established contact with the Issele-Uku Diocese and demanded a ransom of N100 million.
Rev. Fr. Franklyn Odiaka and Rev. Fr. Moses Nwanochei were kidnapped last Friday in the vicinity of Obior, Aniocha North local government area of Delta state after they leaving an official ceremony in honour of their bishop, Most Rev. Michael Elue.
A source within the Diocese, who spoke to Vanguard under the condition of anonymity, said the abductors contacted some of the priests in the diocese.
While emphasising that the church has begun to pray for the release of the priests, the source said that the kidnappers insisted on receiving the N100 million ransom before the priests are released.
Police spokesman Deputy Superintendent of Police Celestina Kalu, who confirmed that the priests had been kidnapped, however, he also said that the church had not lodged a formal complaint to the police.
Kalu said in a statement: “Up until now, the police command has not received a formal or official report from the Catholic Church.”
Meanwhile, members of the Assumption Catholic Church, Zappa, Asaba have appealed for members of the public to offer their prayers to God and entreat him to protect the kidnapped priests and grant them unconditional release from their abductors.
Another source in the church told newsmen that two prayer sessions were held yesterday after the usual Sunday masses, adding that “the first session which began by 2pm involved all women in the church while the second one which began by 4.30pm involved all the parishioners.”
The whereabouts of two men of God who were kidnapped in southern Nigeria remain unknown.
Rev. Fr. Franklyn Odiaka and Rev. Fr. Moses Nwanochei were kidnapped last Friday in the vicinity of Obior, Aniocha North local government area of Delta state after they leaving an official ceremony in honour of their bishop, Most Rev. Michael Elue.
A source within the Diocese, who spoke to Vanguard under the condition of anonymity, said the abductors contacted some of the priests in the diocese.
While emphasising that the church has begun to pray for the release of the priests, the source said that the kidnappers insisted on receiving the N100 million ransom before the priests are released.
Police spokesman Deputy Superintendent of Police Celestina Kalu, who confirmed that the priests had been kidnapped, however, he also said that the church had not lodged a formal complaint to the police.
Kalu said in a statement: “Up until now, the police command has not received a formal or official report from the Catholic Church.”
Meanwhile, members of the Assumption Catholic Church, Zappa, Asaba have appealed for members of the public to offer their prayers to God and entreat him to protect the kidnapped priests and grant them unconditional release from their abductors.
Another source in the church told newsmen that two prayer sessions were held yesterday after the usual Sunday masses, adding that “the first session which began by 2pm involved all women in the church while the second one which began by 4.30pm involved all the parishioners.”
The whereabouts of two men of God who were kidnapped in southern Nigeria remain unknown.
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