TheCable

Arinze Madu, the Catholic priest kidnapped in Enugu on Monday, has regained freedom.

TheCable learnt that the priest was released unhurt on Wednesday afternoon.

Madu, who is the vice-rector at the Queen of Apostle Spiritual Year Seminary, Imezi-Owa in Ezeagu local government area of the state, had been abducted at the gate of the institution.

It could not be immediately confirmed if a ransom was paid to secure his release.

Ebere Amaraizu, the state police command spokesman, also confirmed that the cleric has been freed. He was, however, silent on how the operation was carried out.

The diocese also announced the news via its official Facebook page.

“The church has a long-held policy of not paying ransom for the kidnap of priests and has always discouraged criminal elements from seeing the kidnap of priests as a lucrative business,” it said.

The state command of the Nigeria Police Force and other sister agencies had said it intensified efforts in the manhunt for the freedom of the kidnapped priest.

Madu was kidnapped two months after two priests were killed in the state.