Gunmen Abduct Catholic Priest, Kingsley Eze, in Imo State, Nigeria

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Gunmen Abduct Catholic Priest and Driver in Imo State, Nigeria

In a shocking incident, gunmen have abducted a Catholic priest and his driver in Imo State, located in the South-east region of Nigeria. The victim, identified as Kingsley Eze, was kidnapped at a road junction in the community of Umuekebi, Osuoweerre, Isiala Mbano Local Government Area, around 8 p.m. on Thursday. The incident was reported by the Vanguard newspaper.

Father Kingsley Eze, who is popularly known as Father Ichie, serves as the priest in charge of Saint Michael’s Catholic Church Parish in the community. His driver, Uchenna Newman, was also taken by the attackers during the abduction. The gunmen, who were riding on two motorcycles, not only kidnapped the priest and his driver but also robbed the shop owners at the junction before fleeing the scene.

The news of the abduction has left the church members and the community in a state of shock and fear. A member of the church, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed their terror over the incident. They revealed that Father Eze and his driver had stopped at the junction to buy something when they were forcefully taken. The gunmen also targeted the local businessmen and robbed them before making their escape. The church member expressed their deep concern and stated that they were praying for the safe return of the priest and his driver.

This unfortunate incident is not the first kidnapping to occur in the area. According to an anonymous resident, this is the third kidnapping in a matter of weeks on the Anara Umuelemai Road. The resident pleaded for help from the government, emphasizing the urgent need for increased security measures. They described how the gunmen move around on motorcycles, armed with pump-action guns, instilling fear in the community.

When contacted for comments, the police spokesperson in Imo State, Henry Okoye, declined to provide any information on the attack.

The security situation in Imo State has been worsening, with a rise in armed attacks. These attacks typically target security agencies, government officials, and facilities. Just three days prior to this incident, gunmen suspected to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) killed a divisional police officer and a police inspector in the state. Furthermore, the traditional ruler of Otulu Community in Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area was kidnapped and later found dead last week. Another notable incident was the killing of Chiedoziem Anyanwu, a ward chairperson of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state. The Nigerian government has accused IPOB of being responsible for these deadly attacks, but the group has repeatedly denied any involvement.

IPOB is a group that is leading an agitation for an independent state of Biafra, which seeks to separate the South-east region and parts of the South-south region from Nigeria.

It is essential for the government to address the rising insecurity in Imo State and take immediate action to protect the lives and properties of its citizens. The community is in desperate need of assistance, and measures such as increased security personnel and surveillance must be implemented to curb these violent incidents.

In conclusion, the abduction of Father Kingsley Eze and his driver has sent shockwaves through the community of Umuekebi, Osuoweerre. The incident highlights the deteriorating security situation in Imo State, with frequent armed attacks targeting various individuals and institutions. The government’s intervention is crucial to restore peace and ensure the safety of the residents..