Reverend Father Christian Ike, the parish priest of Saint Matthew’s Church in Ajalli, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, has been kidnapped by gunmen.
The abduction occurred on Sunday, June 16, 2024, around 10 a.m.
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Father Ike was taken along with another parishioner, Mr. Ogbonnia Aneke.
The Diocese of Ekwulobia confirmed the incident through a letter from Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Lawrence Nwankwo, who called for prayers for their safe release.
“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 Aneke, who were kidnapped this morning around 9:45 a.m. as they were returning from Mass in an outstation of St. Matthew’s Parish, Ajalli, Orumba North L.G.A,” the statement read.
The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the abduction and stated that necessary measures have been activated to rescue the victims.
Police spokesman Ikenga Tochukwu said in a statement, “We have received the information of the abduction of Rev. Father Christian Ike and have deployed our intelligence and operational assets for their possible rescue.”
Eyewitness accounts revealed that the priest and two others were returning from St. Michael Catholic Church in Ndiokpaleke after attending morning service when they were ambushed by armed men at Amagu Junction.
The assailants, operating in three vehicles, intercepted the group. While two individuals managed to escape, the gunmen kidnapped Father Ike and took some personal belongings from the vehicle.
“The command has activated its intelligence and operational assets for the possible arrest of the assailants and rescue of the priest unhurt. Further developments will be communicated,” Tochukwu added.
This abduction follows the recent kidnapping of Reverend Father Basil Chukwuemeka at Nkpor Junction in Idemili North Local Government Area, highlighting a concerning trend of attacks on clergymen in the state.
