By Charles Igwe
Unidentified gunmen have kidnapped Rev. Far Christian Ike, a Catholic priest of Ekwulobia diocese. The abduction occurred on Sunday along Amagu Junction, Ndiokpaleke in the Ajali community of Orumba North Local Government Area. Another individual was also taken during the incident.
Witnesses reported that the priest, along with others, was returning from an early morning Mass at St. Michael Catholic Church when their vehicle was intercepted by the assailants. According to Tochukwu Ikenga, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, the police have initiated a search for the victims using their intelligence and operational assets to ensure their safe rescue.
Eyewitnesses described the scene: “The priest and some other persons were returning from St. Michael Catholic Church, where they attended a morning service. On getting to the Amagu Junction, their vehicle was double-crossed by armed men operating in three vehicles. While two other persons escaped the scene, the assailants took away the priest and one other person, including some personal belongings of the occupants in the vehicle.”
The Diocese of Ekwulobia confirmed the abduction in a letter from the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Lawrence Nwankwo, calling for prayers for the safe release of the kidnapped individuals. The letter read, “Dear Brothers and Sisters, call for prayers. Kidnap case, Rev. Fr. Christian Ike. Please pray for the release of Rev. Fr. Christian Ike and Mr. Ogbonnia Anike, who were kidnapped this morning around 9:45 am as they were returning from Mass in an outstation of St. Matthew’s Parish, Ajalli, Orumba North L.G.A.”
Responding to the current abduction, Ikenga said, “The Anambra State Police Command received the information of the abduction of Rev. Father Christian Ike and has deployed its intelligence and operational assets for their possible rescue unhurt. Eyewitness accounts revealed that around 10:30 am on June 16, 2024, the priest and two others were returning from St. Michael Catholic Church, Ndiokpaleke, when they were double-crossed by armed men operating in three vehicles. While the other two escaped, the criminals took away the priest and some personal belongings.”
Ikenga added that the police are actively working to apprehend the assailants and ensure the safe return of the abducted individuals. Further developments will be communicated as they unfold.
