Gunmen abduct 4 Catholic priests in Delta

Four Catholic priests were Wednesday kidnapped by gunmen between Agbor and Umutu in Delta State.

This is coming barely two weeks after the abduction and eventual release of five Catholic nuns around Agbor.

Inside sources at the Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku disclosed that the priests were on their way to Uhielle in Ekpoma, Edo State, for an alumni meeting when the gang swooped on them and took them hostage.

A priest, who spoke anonymously, gave the names of the victims as Frs. Victor Adigboluja, Anthony Otegbola, Joseph Idiaye and Obadjere Emmanuel.

He said the abductors were yet to make contact with the Catholic authorities, noting that the Catholic Church does not encourage payment of ransom to free kidnapped victims.

He further expressed worries that innocent and harmless priests and nuns had become prey and ready targets for men of the underworld.

He solicited prayers for the abducted priests and called on the Church to intensify prayers for their protection.

Delta State Police Public Relations Officer DSP Andrew Aniamaka confirmed the incident, but could not give details, saying it had not yet ascertained if the priests were kidnapped in Delta State or at Urhonigbe in neighbouring Edo State.

He however said investigation was ongoing.

He disclosed that one of the suspects in the kidnap of the five Catholic Nuns a fortnight ago had been apprehended and was helping the police in its investigations.