@NAIRATREND

A Catholic priest of the Sacred Heart Parish, Obomkpa, Reverend Andrew Anah, has been kidnapped.

The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Aniamaka, confirmed the abduction to Channels Television on Thursday, stating that this is the second time the same priest will be abducted.

Mr Anah was kidnapped in 2017 and was later released after an undisclosed ransom was allegedly paid to the abductors.

While the circumstances surrounding the fresh kidnap are still unclear, Channels Television gathered that some informants may be collaborating with a kidnap syndicate in Aniocha north to perpetrate such crimes.



Residents say the Obomkpa/Ukwu-Nzu and now Olona Axis of Aniocha North have remained terrifying in recent times as that was the same area where the reverend was previously kidnapped as well as other individuals.

The Managing Director of a construction company was recently kidnapped as well as the chairman of the Aniocha north Traditional Rulers’ Committee, Mr Obi Sunday Olisenweokwu.

The Police, however, assured the public that they will do everything to ensure that the culprits are brought to justice and the victim are rescued.

Just recently, a Methodist priest (Reverend) Kayode Akande and two other church leaders were kidnapped in Osun State while returning from a church programme.

They, however, regained their freedom about a week after.

In April, gunmen stormed the St Ignatius Catholic Church in Benue State, killing two priests and other members of the church who were holding a funeral service.



Following the spate of attacks in the state since the beginning of the year which has left hundreds dead and several other displaced, the Benue State government said the state was under a siege.

Subsequently, the Catholic Mission in Nigeria held a nationwide prayer and peaceful protest against the incessant killings across the country.

Beyond that, there have been several calls for security reforms to ensure greater efficiency and service delivery across the nation.

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