By Ewa Innocent, The Sight News
Abakaliki: Rev. Fr Joseph Azubuike, a Catholic Priest and three others who were kidnapped on Monday this week by unknown gunmen in Onicha local government area of Ebonyi State have finally regained their freedom.
This was contained in a statement signed by Rev. Fr Mathew Uzoma Opoke, the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki, which stated that the abducted priest and three others have regained freedom.
The statement reads in part: “We are glad to inform you that Fr. Joseph Azubuike, together with the three, have regained freedom from their abductors. It is a thing of joy that God answered our prayers and gazetted the unconditional release of His servant in a very remarkable way.
“We are grateful to those who swung into action on hearing the ugly news of his abduction together with the three others.
“We are grateful to the Governor, Francis Nwifuru, for his determination and concern for the safety of those who were abducted.
“We commend the efforts of the security agencies and youths of the Isu community,” it stated.
Recall that Azubuike, a parish priest of St. Charles in Mgbaleke Isu in Onicha LGA of Ebonyi State and three others were kidnapped on their way back home from pastoral duties.
Earlier, in a reaction, the Spokesperson of the Ebonyi State Police Command, SP Onome Onovwakpoyeya had confirmed it.
She said that the security agencies swung into action when the news of the abduction of the clergymen was reported to the command.
According to her, Rev. Fr Azubike is safe and now in the hospital for checks
