Kidnappers release abducted priest

Abducted Parish Priest of St. Benedict Church, Iddo 2, Okpella of Auchi Diocese, Fr. Lawrence Adorolo, who was abducted on Wednesday has been released.

Fr. Adorolo was abducted along Auchi-Okene highway at about 6pm while returning from Igarra in Akoko-Edo local government area where he attended the ‘Month Mind’ of the oldest Priest of the Auchi Diocese, late Fr. Lawrence Balogun at St. John Apostolic Church, Igarra.

He was driving in his Mercedes 350 ML, dressed in his white Cassock andaccompanied by a boy living with him when he was abducted.

Sources said Fr. Adorolo was seen at about 10pm in a community 5km from Auchi, headquarters of Estako West local government area.

He was said to have told the people that he trekked for long hours from where his abductors dumped him.

A Priest in Auchi Diocese, Fr. Peter Egielewa, said they were happy that Fr. Adorolo was released unhurt without payment of ransom.

Edo State Police Command spokesman, DSP Moses Nkombe, confirmed the release and said the police was on the trail of the kidnappers.

Meanwhile, the Managing Director of Ogba Zoo and Nature Park in Oredo local government area, Dr. Andy Ehanire, who was abducted last week Sunday is yet to be released.

Three policemen on duty at the zoo were shot dead after the kidnappers bought drinks for them.

Andy is a brother to the Minister of State for Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire.

When our reporter visited the zoo yesterday, preparations were on to entertain fun seekers for the Independence Day celebration.

Some staff at the zoo said work was still going on and that lots of tourists were being expected at the zoo.

It was learnt that family members have engaged in hot prayer sessions for the safe release of their son.