JTF Rescues Abducted Catholic Priest In Anambra

The police in Anambra State have confirmed the rescue of Rev Father Stephen Echezona who was abducted at Ichida in Anaocha local government area of the state.

The state’s police public relations officer, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the rescue in a statement on Sunday in Awka.

He said that the Joint Security Task Force (JTF) carried out the rescue operation.

According to Ikenga, JTF, comprising the police, military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and Anambra vigilance group operatives in Ichida and Ihiala, successfully secured the priest’s release at Ihiala.

“In the early hours of today, March 23, a joint security team comprising the police, military, civil defence, and vigilante operatives rescued Rev. Fr. Stephen Echezona at Ihiala,” he said.

According to him, the priest was rescued unharmed.

Ikenga said Echezona was abducted at a fuel station in Ichida by the criminals operating in a white Lexus SUV without a number plate.

He explained that the JTF engaged the assailants in a gun duel, forcing them to abandon the SUV in an attempt to escape.

Ikenga said they, however, took the priest hostage as they fled the scene.

He said a coordinated pursuit by security operatives across various checkpoints led to the criminals abandoning Echezona at Ihiala before escaping through a nearby bush.

He said the JTF recovered the abandoned SUV while efforts were ongoing to track down the perpetrators and recover the priest’s Toyota Highlander.

Similarly, police operatives attached to the Obosi Division arrested a suspect on Sunday caught with a Beretta pistol.

On the same day, security operatives rescued three kidnapped victims on the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway in Ozubulu.

The police, however, assured residents of their commitment to ensuring their safety and apprehending those responsible for criminal activities in the state.