Gunmen Kidnap Catholic Priest, 2 Others In Rivers

Gunmen have kidnapped a Catholic priest in-charge of Saint Patrick’s Church, Isiokpo, Rivers State, Reverend Father Livinus Maurice and two others.

Maurice and the other two persons were kidnapped while returning from Elele where they had gone on a hospital visitation to Isiokpo, the headquarters of Ikwerre local government area of the state.

The Catholic Diocese of Port Harcourt, said the incident occurred on Wednesday, February 12, along the Isiokpo-Elele Road.

The chancellor of the Diocese, Reverend Father Bernadine Anaele, said on behalf of the Bishop, Most Rev. Camilus Etukudoh, that the matter has been reported to security agencies.

He called on Catholic faithful of Port Harcourt Diocese and Nigeria at large to intensify prayers for the safe and unconditional release of the priest and those with him.

The Diocese added that the kidnappers have already contacted them demanding for ransom.

The Rivers State Police Command has yet to issue a statement on the incident as at the time of this report.