Gunmen Kidnap Catholic Priest In Anambra

Unknown gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a Priest with the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, Rev. Fr. Joseph Igweagu, in Anambra State.

Rev. Fr. Igweagu is the Parish Priest in charge of St Joseph’s Parish Abata Nsugbe, Anambra East Local Government Area of the state.

Naija News learnt that the cleric was kidnapped on Wednesday, October 12th, 2020 while returning to his residence after celebrating a Funeral Vigil Mass at Umunnachi in the Njikoka Council area of the state.

The development was confirmed in a statement released by the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, titled: ‘An urgent call for sincere prayer for Kidnap of Rev. Fr Joseph Igweagu’.

The statement was signed by the Archdiocesan Chancellor of the Catholics Archdiocese of Onitsha.

Fr. Prudentius Emeja Aroh who announced the abduction of the priest did not disclose if the abductors have called to demand for ransom.

The statement read, “It is with shock but strong faith in the love and protection of God that we announce to the Priests, religious, lay faithful of Onitsha Archdiocese and all men and women of goodwill, the abduction of our Priest Rev. Fr. Joseph Igweagu, the Parish Priest of St Joseph Parish Abata Nsugbe.

“Rev. Fr. Joseph was kidnapped while returning to his house after celebrating a funeral Vigil Mass at Umunnachi on Wednesday evening 12th October 2022. We solicit sincere prayer for his unconditional release from the hands of his abductors. The Archdiocese of Onitsha is doing everything possible to secure his freedom.

“While praying for the conversion of his abductors, we call on our Mother Mary, to intercede on his behalf so that he will be quickly released unhurt”