Gunmen Abduct Catholic Priest in Edo

Adibe Emenyonu

A Catholic Priest with the Auchi Diocese, Rev. Fr. Lawrence Adorolo, has been reportedly abducted by gunmen at Okpella, Etsako East local government area of Edo State.

Adorolo, who is the Parish Priest of St. Benedict Church, Iddo 2, Okpella, was kidnapped at about 6: pm on Wednesday.

He was abducted at a bad spot on Okpella Road on his way back from Igarra, where he along with other priests attended the ‘Month Mind’ of the oldest Priest of the Auchi Diocese, late Fr. Lawrence Balogun, at St. John Apostolic Church, Igarra.

At the time of his abduction, Adorolo was said to have drove a Mercedes 350 ML, and was putting on his white Cassock and in company of a seminarian and a boy living with him.

His abductors were said to have shot sporadically and dragged the Priest into the bush after taking his mobile phone and those of the others who were with him.

The Priest’s Mercedes car has since be recovered and taken to the police station at Okpella.

When contacted yesterday, Edo State Police Command spokesman, DSP Moses Nkombe, confirmed the incident.

He said, “Immediately it happened, the OC of Antikidnapping was contacted and they swung into action. Hopefully, let’s see what happens today”.

The kidnap of the priest is the second in recent time in the state. Last Sunday, a gang of suspected kidnappers abducted the younger brother to the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, Andy Ehanire, Managing Director, Ogba Zoo Natures Park, Benin City.

In the process of the kidnap, three Policemen were killed.

Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Rev Gabriel Dunia, has also confirmed the abduction of Adorolo by suspected gunmen.

Bishop Dunia who made the confirmation at a media briefing held in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo, condemned the act, adding that the abductors committed an abominable act by keeping a priest who offers selfless service to God and humanity for ransom.

He said “The abductors have made contact with the church for ransom. The church does not pay ransom as it is not a profit making organisation”.

Calling on security agencies to ensure the release of the priest, Dunia said: “The diocese is calling for an unconditional release of the priest. We are holding a mass for the unconditional release of the priest”.