Kidnapped Imo Catholic priest, Izu-Onyeicha finally freed

Father Marcel Izu-Onyeicha, a catholic priest in Imo State, who was abducted by herdsmen has regained his freedom.

This comes exactly 24 hours after the clergyman was kidnapped on sunday while travelling to Imo from Enugu State.

Confirming the development, the Imo State Police PRO, Ikeowku Orlando, said security operatives were immediately activated to rescue the priest when a distress call came that he was kidnapped.

The priest was kidnapped on Sunday while driving from Enugu State in a Nissan external SUV in the company of a friend around the Ihube community in the Okigwe Local Government Area of the state.

Their car had developed fault and as they were trying to fix the vehicle, assailants suspected to be herdsmen ambushed them and whisked them away.

Father Marcel was released in the early hours of Monday morning. However, no detailed information can be given as to how he was released or if any ransom was paid but multiple reports indicate that he was released unhurt.