Catholic Priest and Six Others Abducted in Enugu, Nigeria

Catholic Priest and Six Others Abducted in Enugu, Nigeria

Sudden Abduction on Eke-Affa-Egede Road

In a shocking incident, seven individuals, including a Catholic priest, were kidnapped by unidentified gunmen in Enugu, a state in Nigeria. The incident occurred on Sunday evening along the Eke-Affa-Egede Road in the Udi Local Government Area. The priest, identified as Rev. Father M. Okide, is affiliated with the Catholic Diocese of Enugu.

Following the abduction, the kidnappers reportedly contacted the victims’ relatives, demanding a ransom of N100 million for their release. The children of the victims were found in their car, left behind by the kidnappers. Law enforcement officers were alerted and arrived on the scene to care for the children.

Police Response and Investigation

Although the local police command has yet to make a formal statement on the incident, it has been reported that law enforcement officers from the Udi Police Division have initiated a search operation in the area in an attempt to secure the release of the kidnapped individuals.

This incident underscores the escalating concerns about safety and the increasing rate of kidnappings for ransom in the region. The demand for a large sum of money suggests the potential involvement of an organized criminal group, highlighting the serious nature of the incident and the dangers faced by residents in the area.

Impact on the Community and Local Law Enforcement

The kidnapping has not only influenced the immediate victims and their families but has also brought attention to the broader issues of security and law enforcement in the region. It raises questions about the capacity and effectiveness of local police forces in preventing such incidents and ensuring the safety of the community.

The abduction of the priest and six other individuals is a part of a distressing trend of kidnappings in Nigeria. In 2022 alone, there were 145-recorded attacks on Catholic priests, according to data from Nigerian geopolitical research group SB Morgen Intelligence. The rising frequency of these incidents raises serious concerns about the security situation in the country and calls for urgent attention and action.

Call for Increased Security Measures

In light of these incidents, there is an increasing call for improved security measures in the country. The government and security agencies are urged to step up their efforts to ensure the safety and security of Nigerians, particularly those in regions most affected by such incidents.