Police rescue priests kidnapped in Anambra

The Catholic priests abducted at Nneyi Umeri area of Anambra have reportedly been rescued by the police.

The Anambra state police command made the announcement in a statement issued on Friday by Haruna Mohammed, its spokesman.

The clerics were abducted by suspected gunmen on Monday while on their way back from Onitsha.

According to the statement, the victims were rescued on Thursday after a combined effort of security agencies.

The victims, identified as Peter Nwachukwu, parish priest of St Theresa’s Parish Umueze-Anam and Cajetan Apeh, his assistant, are said to be in good condition.

“The Anambra State Police Command wishes to inform the Public that yesterday 27/12/2018 following a joint operation with other Sister Agencies in the State successfully rescued two Catholic priests earlier kidnapped on 24th December 2018,” the statement read.

“Police special teams comprising of FSARS, PMF, counterterrorism, Special Anti Cults units in conjunction with other Sister agencies and the Vigilante group had mounted an intensive search and rescue operations for the priests since the incident took place and with the aid of a Modern technology and aerial Surveillance due to difficult terrain, the abductors were forced to abandon their victims at about 6:45 pm of 27/12/2018.

“The Victims, Rev Fr Peter Nwachukwu, parish priest of St Theresa’s Parish Umueze-Anam and Rev Fr Cajetan Apeh who is the Assistant priest are now in stable condition and have since reunited with their families.

“It is worthy to note that the safety of the victims is the ultimate priority of the Police in this situation. Consequently, the effort is being intensified to apprehend perpetrators of this heinous crime in order to bring them to Justice.

“Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police CP Garba Baba Umar hereby reassures Ndi Anambra of their safety during the yuletide period and beyond. The CP further warn all Criminal elements that Anambra is not a place to operate as they will surely meet their Waterloo and be dealt with decisively in accordance with the Law.”