The abductors of a Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Mathias Opara, has released him on Sunday night.
Recall that the cleric, popularly known as Owu Ujo, was kidnapped by gunmen last Friday along Ejemekwuru- Ogbaku road between Oguta and Mbaitoli Local Government Areas of Imo while returning to Owerri.
The priest had was departing Izombe community in the Oguta Local Government Area, where he attended the funeral of a colleague’s father when the kidnappers whisked him away on Friday.
The incident had earlier caused panic across the state, especially catholic faithful.
According to a source, who begged not to be name for fear of victimisation, Opara, who is in charge of Man of Order and Discipline of the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri, was released unharmed.
The source, however, could not confirm if a ransom was paid to effect Opara’s release from his abductors’ den.
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The source said, “Details surrounding his release are sketchy for now, but the important thing is that he has been released.”
Confirming Opara’s release by his abductors, the Police command’s spokesman, ASP Henry Okoye said the command would not rest on its oars in ensuring that the culprits were brought to justice.
“The priest was released as a result of the pressure mounted on the criminals by our operatives who were on an undercover operation.
“The command is trailing their track to possibly arrest them because we will not allow criminals to take over the state,” Okoye said.
Opara’s abduction and release came barely two weeks after gunmen kidnapped the Priest of Christ the King Parish, Ezinachi/Ugwuago of the Diocese of Okigwe in Okigwe KGA, Rev. Fr. Jude Maduka.
Maduka was kidnapped while preparing for the Eucharistic Mass celebration at his adoration ground.
A Catholic Priest of St. Paul’s Catholic Parish, Osu, in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area, Rev. Fr. Michael Asumogha, in Okigwe Catholic diocese was equally kidnapped in April and later released.