Gunmen kidnap Imo Catholic priest, driver

Gunmen on Thursday night have kidnapped a Catholic priest, Rev Fr Kingsley Ichie of St Michael’s Catholic Church parish in Umuekebi community in the Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.

The priest and a man identified as Uchenna Newman, who drove the priest in a Volvo jeep were kidnapped at Orie Ama junction at about 8pm.

A parishioner who pleaded anonymity said, “It is true. Our parish priest, Rev Fr Kingsley Eze has been kidnapped. He was kidnapped alongside Mr Uchenna Newman.

“They alighted from a Volvo jeep to buy something at the junction before they were kidnapped. They also robbed businessmen at the junction. This is so unfortunate. We sincerely pray for the safe return of our parish priest and Mr Uchenna.”

TheNewsDesk gathered that this is the third kidnapping incident place within a space of two weeks on the Anara Umuelemai Road.

The spokesperson for the police in the State, Henry Okoye, had yet to react to the incident.