Kidnappers of Catholic priest in Delta demand N20m ransom

Abductors of a catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Samuel Agwameseh, of St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Issele-Mkpitime in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State have demanded N20 million ransom for his release.

The parish priest was reportedly abducted last Saturday 14th December 2019 while on his way from Onicha-Olona where he had gone for the production of the parish’s bulletin meant for Sunday Mass at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Issele-Mkpitime.

It was, however, gathered that the police had recovered the priest’s vehicle and some of his personal effects in the car.

The Director of Social Communication, Issele-Uku Diocese, Fr  Agwameseh, reportedly confirmed the request of the hoodlums.

He appealed to the abductors to set the priest free, saying the church has no access to such huge money to pay as ransom.

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Tribune Online reports that Aniocha North has, within the last three weeks, witnessed over four kidnap cases as the people now live in fear ahead of the yuletide celebrations.

On Friday 13th December, 2019, some hoodlums were said to have abducted a legal practitioner, Mr Stephen Odum at Issele-Uku, the headquarters of Aniocha North Local Government area of the state.

In like manner, on Wednesday 11th December, 2019, a Primary School teacher working at Burr Primary School, Issele-Uku, Mrs Edna Ogwugwa, was reportedly whisked away to an unknown destination by hoodlums.

Nigerian Tribune also gathered that 11th of November, 2019, one Sir Eric Ikelogbe from Onicha-Olona was murdered after a futile attempt to abduct him along Issele-Uku/Ubulu-Uku road.

Still in November, a former member of the legislative arm of Aniocha North Local Government, Hon. Andrew Awunor, was reportedly abducted along Issele-Uku/Ubulu-Uku road.

Those among the victims who are said to have regained their freedom reportedly parted with huge ransoms.

The security outfits in the state, especially the Delta Police Command, appears clueless in spite of earlier promises to flush out criminals from their strongholds ahead of the yuletide.

Delta State Police Commissioner, Mr Adeyinka Adeleke, could be reached for comment as of the time of filing the report.